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Sri Venus Gastro & Liver HospitalSri VenusGastro & Liver
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Condition

Acidity & Ulcers

Persistent heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcer management.

Overview

Acidity, gastritis, and peptic ulcers happen when stomach acid irritates the food pipe, stomach lining, or upper small intestine. Occasional acidity is normal; persistent symptoms — especially with weight loss, anaemia, or black stools — deserve evaluation. H. pylori infection drives a large share of peptic ulcers in India and is curable with a focused antibiotic course.

Common symptoms

  • Burning in the upper abdomen or chest, often after meals
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation
  • Stomach pain that's worse on an empty stomach or wakes you at night
  • Bloating, belching, or nausea after eating
  • Black tar-like stools or vomiting blood (warning sign — see immediately)
  • Unintentional weight loss with persistent stomach pain

When to see a doctor

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks despite over-the-counter antacids, or you have red flags — black stools, vomiting blood, unintentional weight loss, anaemia, or pain that wakes you at night — see a specialist promptly. These can signal ulcers, bleeding, or rarely stomach cancer.

How we help

We assess severity, test for H. pylori, and perform upper endoscopy when indicated to see the stomach lining directly and rule out ulcers, bleeding, or growths. Treatment combines a 10–14 day antibiotic course for H. pylori where present, acid-suppressing medication, and lifestyle changes. Most patients see meaningful improvement within a few weeks.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Acidity & Ulcers — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about acidity & ulcers.

Is acidity the same as an ulcer?
Not always. Acidity is a symptom — burning or discomfort from stomach acid. An ulcer is a wound in the stomach or duodenum lining caused by long-standing acid damage, often together with H. pylori infection. Persistent acidity can lead to an ulcer if untreated, which is why long-standing symptoms deserve evaluation.
Can H. pylori cause acidity?
Yes. H. pylori is the leading cause of peptic ulcers in India and a common cause of chronic gastritis. Testing for H. pylori is a routine part of evaluating persistent acidity, and treating the infection often resolves long-standing symptoms.
What foods should I avoid?
Triggers vary by person, but common ones include very spicy or oily food, citrus, caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and late-night eating. Smaller, more frequent meals and not lying down for 2 hours after eating help most patients.
When do I need an endoscopy?
If acidity has lasted more than 2 weeks despite over-the-counter antacids, or if you have red-flag signs — weight loss, black stools, vomiting blood, difficulty swallowing, anaemia — an upper endoscopy is the next step. Endoscopy lets us see the stomach lining directly and test for H. pylori.
Are PPI medications (omeprazole, pantoprazole) safe long-term?
For most patients, short- to medium-term use is safe and effective. Long-term use needs supervision — we monitor for vitamin B12 deficiency, magnesium levels, and bone health, and we work towards the lowest effective dose over time.
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