Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Overview
Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. The two main causes are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Lifetime prevalence in the general population is roughly 5–10%, though it varies by country. Untreated ulcers can bleed, perforate, or scar and narrow the outlet of the stomach. PLOS
Common Misunderstandings
A common myth is that ulcers are caused only by stress or spicy food. In reality, H. pylori and NSAIDs drive most cases. Many patients feel stuck in a cycle of acid tablets without ever testing for H. pylori or the oral-gastric microbiome— frustrating when symptoms flare again.
How are Peptic Ulcers Linked to Your Microbiome?
- The discovery that a bacterium (H. pylori) causes most peptic ulcers transformed care. Eliminating H. pylori prevents recurrence far better than acid suppression alone. The LancetNew England Journal of MedicineJAMA Network
- In people infected with H. pylori, the ulcer risk is substantial (several percent to double‑digit lifetime risk, varying by region). New England Journal of Medicine
- Eradication therapy (usually a proton‑pump inhibitor + two antibiotics) is standard; successful eradication reduces re‑bleeding and long‑term relapse. JAMA Network
- Beyond H. pylori, medicines that lower stomach acid for long periods can alter gut bacteria and raise the chance of small‑bowel overgrowth in some people — part of the wider microbiome picture we consider in care. New England Journal of Medicine
Symptoms
Burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain
Often between meals or at night
Nausea
Early fullness or loss of appetite
Bloating
Black/tarry stools
Vomiting blood
Faintness
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Peptic Ulcers includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health such as a tailored low-FODMAP diet or fibre consumptions strategies.
Suspect you might have Peptic Ulcers?
