When it comes to digestive health, two conditions often mistaken for one another are acid reflux and stomach ulcers. Both can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the difference between acid reflux and ulcers is crucial for seeking the right medical care and preventing complications. In this blog, we will explore these two common gastrointestinal issues, their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when it becomes chronic, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus, weakens or relaxes inappropriately.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Heartburn – A burning sensation in the chest, especially after eating or when lying down.
- Regurgitation – A sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to acid traveling up the esophagus.
- Difficulty swallowing – A sensation of food being stuck in the throat.
- Chronic cough or sore throat – Due to irritation from acid exposure.
- Excessive burping and bloating – As a result of trapped gas.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Several factors can contribute to acid reflux, including:
- Diet – Spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and citrus fruits can trigger acid reflux.
- Obesity – Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, causing acid to back up.
- Smoking – Weakens the LES, making acid reflux more likely.
- Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure can lead to reflux.
- Certain medications – Such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure medications.
What Is a Stomach Ulcer?
A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Unlike acid reflux, which is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, ulcers result from damage to the stomach lining.
Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers
Common symptoms of stomach ulcers include:
- Burning stomach pain – Usually occurring between meals or at night.
- Nausea or vomiting – Sometimes accompanied by blood.
- Loss of appetite – Leading to unintentional weight loss.
- Bloating and excessive gas – Due to irritation in the digestive tract.
- Dark or black stools – A sign of internal bleeding.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
The primary causes of stomach ulcers include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – A bacterial infection that weakens the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to acid damage.
- Overuse of NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can erode the stomach lining.
- Excessive alcohol consumption – Irritates and weakens the stomach lining.
- Smoking – Increases the risk of ulcers and slows healing.
- Stress – While not a direct cause, it can worsen ulcer symptoms.
Acid Reflux vs. Ulcers: Key Differences
Although acid reflux and ulcers share some symptoms, they have distinct characteristics:
| Feature | Acid Reflux | Stomach Ulcer |
| Primary Cause | Weak LES allowing acid backflow | H. pylori infection or NSAID overuse |
| Main Symptom | Heartburn, regurgitation | Burning stomach pain |
| Pain Timing | Worse after eating or lying down | Worse on an empty stomach |
| Response to Food | Symptoms may worsen | Eating may temporarily relieve pain |
| Treatment Approach | Lifestyle changes, acid reducers | Antibiotics (if H. pylori is present), ulcer-healing medications |
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you have acid reflux or a stomach ulcer, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist. They may recommend tests such as:
- Endoscopy – A small camera inserted into the digestive tract to check for damage.
- H. pylori testing – Through breath, blood, or stool tests.
- pH monitoring – Measures acid levels in the esophagus.
Treatment for Acid Reflux
Managing acid reflux often involves:
- Lifestyle changes – Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head while sleeping.
- Medications – Such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production.
- Surgical options – In severe cases, procedures like fundoplication can strengthen the LES.
Treatment for Stomach Ulcers
For ulcers, treatment focuses on healing the stomach lining and eliminating the cause:
- Antibiotics – If H. pylori is present, a combination of antibiotics is needed.
- PPIs or H2 blockers – Reduce stomach acid to allow healing.
- Lifestyle modifications – Avoiding NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol.
Prevention Tips
To prevent both acid reflux and stomach ulcers, consider these tips:
- Eat a healthy diet – Limit spicy, acidic, and fatty foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Extra weight puts pressure on the stomach.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – These can worsen both conditions.
- Manage stress – Through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
- Use medications wisely – Avoid overuse of NSAIDs and consult a doctor for alternatives.
Conclusion
While acid reflux and stomach ulcers share some symptoms, they have different underlying causes and treatments. Acid reflux results from stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and regurgitation, whereas stomach ulcers occur due to damage in the stomach lining, often caused by H. pylori or NSAID overuse. If you experience persistent symptoms, visiting a gastroenterologist at German Medical Center can help you receive the right diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re struggling with acid reflux or suspect you have a stomach ulcer, don’t ignore the symptoms. Schedule an appointment with our gastroenterology specialists at German Medical Center today for expert diagnosis and effective treatment.
