How do I know if I have an ulcer or GERD?

Ulcer pain is usually located in the upper abdomen, rather than in the chest. And you may notice it on an empty stomach or a few hours after a meal. This is less likely with GERD, which tends to happen quickly after eating.


Can GERD feel like an ulcer?

That nasty burning sensation in your stomach could be many things, but 2 common causes are peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though the symptoms may be different, the conditions are often confused.

How do I check myself for an ulcer?

Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer:
  1. Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. ...
  2. Indigestion or heartburn. ...
  3. Nausea or vomiting. ...
  4. Change in stool color. ...
  5. Unexplained weight loss.


What does the beginning of a stomach ulcer feel like?

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain that develops in your abdomen (tummy). However, some stomach ulcers aren't painful and are only noticed when a complication develops, such as bleeding from the ulcer.

What does your poop look like if you have an ulcer?

Bleeding — Bleeding ulcers most often affect older people. Symptoms may include blood in the vomit or in the stool (this can give stools a black, tar-like appearance).


Are You Having Ulcer or Reflux Symptoms?



What foods soothe an ulcer?

Apples, pears, oatmeal, and other foods that are high in fiber are good for ulcers in two ways. Fiber can lower the amount of acid in your stomach while easing bloating and pain. Research has also shown that a diet rich in fiber may help prevent ulcers.

What is the fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer?

How are stomach ulcers treated?
  1. Antibiotics. If H. ...
  2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs help reduce stomach acid and protect your stomach lining. ...
  3. Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers). ...
  4. Antacids. ...
  5. Cytoprotective agents. ...
  6. Bismuth Subsalicylate.


What are 3 main causes of ulcers?

This is a bacterial infection. Acids from the foods we eat can make the pain and discomfort worse. Long-term use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen) are also a common cause of ulcers. Stress and spicy foods can make an ulcer worse.


Which part of the stomach hurts when you have ulcer?

The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button (navel). This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Will stomach ulcer go away by itself?

Some peptic ulcers heal on their own. But if you don't treat them, the ulcers tend to come back. They can erode the blood vessel wall in your stomach or small intestine. The ulcers also can eat a hole through the lining and get infected.

How do you clear an ulcer?

Things you can do to speed up healing include:
  1. applying a protective paste recommended by your pharmacist.
  2. using a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.
  3. using a toothpaste that doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating.
  4. avoiding hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals.


What does an ulcer flare up feel like?

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen). But stomach ulcers aren't always painful and some people may experience other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux and feeling sick.

How can you tell if you have an ulcer without endoscopy?

Physical exam
  1. checks for swelling in your abdomen.
  2. listens to sounds within your abdomen using a stethoscope.
  3. taps on your abdomen checking for tenderness or pain.


What does a GERD flare up feel like?

A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down. Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid. Upper abdominal or chest pain. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)


How long does a stomach ulcer take to heal without medication?

Uncomplicated gastric ulcers take up to two or three months to heal completely. Duodenal ulcers take about six weeks to heal. An ulcer can temporarily heal without antibiotics. But it is common for an ulcer to recur or for another ulcer to form nearby, if the bacteria are not killed.

How long can you have an ulcer for?

Pain may then occur two to five hours after eating, especially after dinner when there are often hours between meals. With either type of ulcer, symptoms can last for minutes to hours and often come and go for several days or weeks.

What can I drink with an ulcer?

Drinking and Eating With an Ulcer

Plain water is the best choice. Meal timing might also make a difference. Some patients have reported a reduction in pain if they skip between-meal snacks, because eating less often reduces the amount of stomach acid produced throughout the day.


What can trigger stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, or from taking anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Are ulcers only caused by stress?

While stress can make peptic ulcers worse, stress is not the cause. Causes of peptic ulcers include: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterial infection.

What kind of stress causes ulcers?

Some of the physical stressors that may cause ulcers include:
  • some surgical procedures.
  • severe burns.
  • brain trauma.
  • traumatic injury to the body.
  • a serious long-term injury, usually requiring hospitalization.
  • something that causes you to be in the intensive care unit.
  • central nervous system injury.


What naturally heals a stomach ulcer?

Talk with your doctor about adding these foods to your diet:
  • Flavonoids. Research suggests that flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, may be an effective additional treatment for stomach ulcers. ...
  • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice. ...
  • Probiotics. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Cranberry. ...
  • Mastic. ...
  • Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.


How can I fight an ulcer at home?

9 Science-Backed Home Remedies for Ulcers
  1. Cabbage Juice. Share on Pinterest. ...
  2. Licorice. Licorice is a spice native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. ...
  3. Honey. Honey is an antioxidant-rich food linked to a variety of health benefits. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Turmeric. ...
  6. Mastic. ...
  7. Chili Peppers. ...
  8. Aloe Vera.


How do you beat an ulcer naturally?

People can relieve these symptoms using the following home remedies:
  1. Probiotics. Share on Pinterest Yogurts contain probiotics that help restore balance to the bacteria in the digestive tract. ...
  2. Ginger. ...
  3. Colorful fruits. ...
  4. Plantain bananas. ...
  5. Honey. ...
  6. Turmeric. ...
  7. Chamomile. ...
  8. Garlic.


What not to drink when you have ulcers?

Beverages to avoid:

Regular and decaffeinated coffee. Peppermint and spearmint tea. Green and black tea, with or without caffeine. Orange and grapefruit juices.

What foods inflame an ulcer?

Foods to limit when you have acid reflux and an ulcer
  • coffee.
  • chocolate.
  • spicy food.
  • alcohol.
  • acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes.
  • caffeine.