Stomach pain, burning sensation, nausea, bloating, and indigestion are very common digestive complaints. Two frequent causes of these symptoms are gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Many people believe these conditions are the same, but gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are different medical problems with different causes, severity, and treatments.
This article explains acute gastritis vs peptic ulcer disease in simple, easy-to-understand language. It answers common patient questions and clearly covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, diet, prevention, and warning signs that need urgent medical attention.
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| A woman experiencing burning stomach pain, a typical symptom seen in acute gastritis. |
Is Gastritis the Same as Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Short answer: No.
Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are related but not the same condition.
- Gastritis is inflammation (irritation or swelling) of the stomach lining
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a deep sore (ulcer) in the stomach or the first part of the intestine (duodenum)
Gastritis is often mild and temporary.
Peptic ulcers are deeper, more serious, and can bleed or even perforate.
Acute Gastritis vs Peptic Ulcer Disease
Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining.
- The stomach lining becomes irritated or swollen
- Symptoms start suddenly
- Causes burning pain, discomfort, or indigestion
- Bleeding can occur but is uncommon
- Usually heals quickly with proper treatment
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease occurs when a deep sore (ulcer) forms in the stomach or duodenum.
- An open sore develops in the stomach or first part of the intestine
- Symptoms develop gradually over time
- Causes sharp or gnawing abdominal pain
- Higher risk of bleeding compared to gastritis
- Healing usually takes several weeks with treatment
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| A comparison image of acute gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, showing inflammation of the stomach lining in gastritis and a deeper stomach ulcer in peptic ulcer disease. |
What Happens in Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Normally, the stomach and intestine are protected by a mucus layer.
A peptic ulcer forms when:
- Too much acid is produced, or
- The protective mucus layer is damaged
This allows acid to injure the lining and create a deep ulcer.
The Two Most Common Causes
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Long-term use of painkillers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin)
Types of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Based on location, there are two main types:
- Gastric ulcer – ulcer in the stomach
- Duodenal ulcer – ulcer in the first part of the small intestine called duodenum
Duodenal ulcers are more common than gastric ulcers.
Difference Between Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Gastric Ulcer
- Pain worsens after meals
- Patients may avoid eating
- Reduced appetite and smaller meal portions
- Weight loss is common
Duodenal Ulcer
- Pain relieved by meals
- Patients eat more often to relieve pain
- Late-night meals or snacks are common
- Weight gain may occur
Difference between gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer: gastric ulcer pain worsens after meals leading to weight loss, while duodenal ulcer pain is relieved by food and may cause weight gain.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Some people have no symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:
- Burning or dull stomach pain
- Pain related to meals
- Nausea
- Bloating or feeling full
- Heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
Common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include burning or dull stomach pain, meal-related pain, nausea, bloating, heartburn, and unexplained weight loss.
Danger Signs (Bleeding)
- Vomiting blood (red or dark brown, like coffee grounds)
- Black, tarry, foul-smelling stools
“Do I Have a Peptic Ulcer? Common Warning Signs”
You may have PUD if stomach pain or burning:
- Is persistent
- Is related to meals
- Is associated with vomiting blood or black stools
Causes of Peptic Ulcer Disease
1. H. pylori Infection
- H.pylori is a germ that lives in the stomach
- It weakens the protective mucus layer, allowing acid to damage the lining
- It spreads through contaminated food or water, or through close contact, such as shared utensils or kissing.
- It is common among people in the same household.
Treating H. pylori can cure most ulcers
2. Regular Use of Pain Relievers
- NSAIDs and aspirin irritate the stomach and intestine
- Increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding
Risk Factors
- Regular NSAID or aspirin use
- Previous peptic ulcer
- Age over 60 years
Smoking, alcohol, stress, and spicy food do not cause ulcers, but they worsen symptoms and delay healing.
Can you take NSAIDs or aspirin if you have PUD?
- Usually, no.
- Only take them if a health care professional decides the benefits outweigh the risks.
- If essential, they must be combined with acid-reducing medication.
Complications of Peptic Ulcer Disease
1. Bleeding
Peptic ulcers can damage blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum, leading to bleeding.
At first, the bleeding may be small and go unnoticed. However, if it continues for a long time, it can cause anemia, a condition in which the body has too few red blood cells.
Severe bleeding may cause:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry, foul-smelling stools (melena)
- Weakness, dizziness, or fatigue
2. Perforation (Hole in the Stomach or Intestine)
If an ulcer damages the full thickness of the stomach or small intestine wall, it can create a hole called a perforation.
This allows stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity and can lead to a serious infection called peritonitis, which is a medical emergency.
3. Gastric Outlet Obstruction (Blockage)
Peptic ulcers can cause swelling or scarring that blocks the passage of food through the digestive tract. This condition is called gastric outlet obstruction.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting undigested food
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Bloating
- Weight loss
4. Risk of Stomach Cancer
In rare cases, long-standing gastric ulcers may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. This is why proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are important.
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the most reliable test to diagnose peptic ulcer disease.
In addition, tests for H. pylori infection may be done, including:
- Urea breath test
- Stool antigen test
- Rapid urease test
Endoscopy is especially important for gastric ulcers to rule out stomach cancer.
Best Treatment for Peptic Ulcer Disease
1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole)
- Take on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast
- If twice daily: before breakfast and dinner
- Swallow whole (do not crush or chew)
- Take at the same time daily
- Complete the full course
2. H. pylori Eradication Therapy
- H. pylori eradication therapy involves a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combined with two antibiotics, taken for 10–14 days.
- This treatment must be taken only under medical advice to ensure effectiveness and prevent antibiotic resistance.
Can peptic ulcer disease be cured?
Yes. Most ulcers heal completely with proper treatment
Lifestyle Changes for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Making simple lifestyle changes can help ulcers heal faster and prevent complications.
Stop smoking and avoid alcohol, as both delay ulcer healing and increase bleeding risk.
Avoid NSAIDs (a type of painkiller) unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. Always inform healthcare providers that you have peptic ulcer disease before taking any medication.
Certain medicines, such as methotrexate, may worsen stomach lining injury and should be used with caution under specialist medical supervision.
Manage stress effectively, as stress can worsen symptoms and delay healing. You can read more about stress and depression management in our depression article.
Eat small, regular meals instead of large or irregular meals.
Best Diet for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Foods to Eat
- Milk, curd, yogurt (if tolerated)
- Fruits: banana, apple, papaya, watermelon
- Boiled vegetables: carrot, pumpkin, potato
- Green leafy vegetables
- Rice, oatmeal, porridge
- Protein: boiled eggs, fish, lean chicken
- Fluids: water, coconut water
- Aloe vera may help reduce burning due to its soothing effect.
Foods to Avoid
- Spicy foods
- Fried and oily foods
- Coffee, cola, strong tea
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Very sour foods
Prevention of Peptic Ulcer Disease
You can reduce the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease by following these preventive steps:
- Treat H. pylori infection completely as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Avoid unnecessary use of NSAIDs (painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin).
- Use acid-reducing medication (PPI protection) if long-term painkiller use is necessary and advised by a doctor.
- Stop smoking, as it delays ulcer healing and increases recurrence.
- Limit or avoid alcohol, which irritates the stomach lining.
- Wash hands regularly to reduce the spread of H. pylori.
- Drink clean, safe water and eat hygienically prepared food.
- Eat regular meals and manage stress to protect stomach health.
Key Take-Home Messages
- Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Peptic ulcer disease is a deep open sore in the stomach or intestine.
- H. pylori infection and painkillers (NSAIDs) are the most common causes of peptic ulcers.
- Most peptic ulcers are curable with proper treatment.
- Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent serious complications.
Seek Urgent Medical Help If You Have:
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry, foul-smelling stools
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
Written by: Medical Graduate | Health & Medical Content Writer
This article is written for patient education and reviewed for medical accuracy using trusted clinical sources.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical care.
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