Prevention of peptic ulcer

Many peptic ulcers can be prevented, or kept from coming back, by tackling the main causes.

Reduce H. pylori risk

• Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
• Eat well-cooked food and drink clean, safe water
• Treat H. pylori if found, and finish the full antibiotic course

Use pain medicines carefully

• Avoid regular NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and long-term aspirin unless a doctor advises them
• Take them with food, at the lowest dose and for the shortest time
• Ask about acetaminophen (paracetamol) as a safer option for pain when suitable
• If you must use NSAIDs long term, ask about a protective PPI

Lifestyle

• Do not smoke or chew tobacco
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Manage stress through sleep, activity and relaxation, which may reduce symptom flare-ups
• Eat regular meals

Prevent recurrence

• Confirm that H. pylori is cleared after treatment
• Report returning pain early
• Attend follow-up visits, especially for gastric ulcers

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Regular meals, early dinner and avoiding excess sour, fried and spicy food are recommended traditionally to keep Pitta balanced. Evidence for this as prevention is limited.

When to get help

See a doctor if you take pain tablets often and notice stomach pain, black stools or unexplained tiredness.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have repeated upper abdominal pain, take pain tablets often, or notice black stools, unexplained weight loss or tiredness. Early testing for H. pylori helps prevent ulcers and their complications.

Remember

Treat H. pylori, avoid unnecessary pain tablets, and stay away from tobacco and alcohol.