Gastric ulcer: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments
- On 08/01/2026
Definition: what is an ulcer
Generally speaking, an ulcer refers to a wound on the skin, on a blood vessel, or on the mucous membranes (stomach, duodenum) that has not healed for a month or more.
A gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer refers to a lesion on the inner lining of the stomach (or the inner lining of the duodenum if it is a duodenal ulcer). The inner lining of the stomach is composed of two types of cells: those responsible for the secretion of gastric juice, an essential element for food digestion; those in charge of protecting the lining of the stomach and duodenum against the acidity of gastric juice: cells that secrete bicarbonate and mucus.
These two types of cells must maintain a certain balance so that the functioning of the stomach is not altered. If this balance is disrupted, the mucosa is attacked by the acidity of the gastric juice and becomes damaged. It eventually gets destroyed, that's the ulcer. There is then a loss of substance until the outer muscular wall of the stomach is reached. There are thus 90,000 new cases of gastroduodenal ulcers each year in France, according to the French National Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE), with a higher proportion in men than in women.
What are the causes of a gastric ulcer?
We distinguish two main causes for the occurrence of a gastric ulcer, as well as a more exceptional cause:
the presence of a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori: the presence of this bacterium is confirmed in 95% of cases of duodenal ulcer and in 85% of cases of gastric ulcer. It is a bacterium very often contracted at a young age and whose presence generates asymptomatic gastritis in the early years. However, while it promotes gastric ulcers, infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium does not systematically lead to ulcers; the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin: whether the person has taken these treatments for a short or long period, the risk of gastric ulcer exists. The explanation is simple: NSAIDs prevent the secretion of an enzyme (cyclooxygenases 1 and 2). However, this enzyme is responsible for stimulating the production of mucus intended to protect the stomach lining from the acidity of gastric juice. The stomach lining is therefore vulnerable and is destroyed upon contact with gastric acidity; a tumor: very rare, gastrinoma-type tumors of the pancreas lead to an increased secretion of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of gastric acid.
What are the risk factors for a gastric ulcer?
A widespread idea is that stress is a risk factor for gastric ulcers. However, scientific studies have shown that there is no link between psychological state and gastric ulcer. On the other hand, other risk factors for gastric ulcers have been highlighted, including tobacco. Although the role of tobacco is less likely to cause a gastric ulcer or a duodenal ulcer, it is more likely to slow down the healing of the latter once it has occurred (slowing down the healing of the wound). The consumption of stimulants (coffee, tea, alcohol...) and spicy foods increases the risk of ulcers because it irritates the intestinal lining. Finally, genetic factors, particularly related to the fragility of gastric cells, can promote gastric ulcers, as can certain comorbidities (cirrhosis, Crohn's disease...).
What are the symptoms and pains of a gastric ulcer?
The symptoms of a stomach ulcer can be non-existent, which makes early diagnosis difficult. They are then only detected during a fibroscopy. Among the symptoms of stomach ulcers, we observe: epigastric pain: the epigastrium is located at the top center of the abdomen. These pains manifest in the form of stomach cramps, heartburn. These pains are particularly intense in the 1 to 3 hours following meals and subside during the meal. These painful episodes last about two weeks and occur several times a year;
• dyspepsia: a feeling of heaviness, poor digestion in the stomach;
• nausea or vomiting;
• bleeding in the most severe cases.
• Pain often worsened after meals
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite • Weight loss • FatigueSigns of severity • Vomiting blood • Black stools (melena) • Intense and sudden pain
How to treat a gastric ulcer: What treatments?
Medical treatment
The treatment aims to relieve symptoms and heal the ulcer.
1. Medications
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole, pantoprazole • Anti-H2: famotidine • Antibiotics (in case of H. pylori infection) • Gastric dressings
2. Cessation of aggravating factors
• Cessation of NSAIDs if possible • Reduction or cessation of alcohol • Cessation of smoking
Natural treatments (as a complement)
• Honey (especially pure honey) • Aloe vera (with caution) • Ripe banana • Chamomile or licorice infusions (in moderation)
Gentle and balanced diet
• Recommended diet • Easy-to-digest foods • Cooked vegetables • Non-acidic fruits • Rice, sweet potato, yam • Fish and lean meats
To avoid
• Chili peppers and very spicy foods • Coffee • Alcohol • Carbonated drinks • Fatty or fried foods
Our natural treatment: Tisane 030: Stomach Ulcer Natural Treatment Internal Wound
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