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Although stress alone isn't a cause of peptic ulcers, it can aggravate symptoms and may also lead to behaviors that increase ulcer risk, such as smoking or overusing NSAIDs.

While no specific diet can cure ulcers, avoiding foods that irritate the stomach lining such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, may help reduce symptoms.

Smoking can impair ulcer healing and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, quitting smoking is an important part of managing peptic ulcer disease.

Peptic ulcers typically cause a burning stomach pain, which might improve with eating, but worsen afterwards. Other symptoms can include bloating, burping, or feeling sick to the stomach.

PPIs, such as omeprazole, reduce stomach acid production which helps ulcers heal and relieves symptoms. They are commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

H. pylori is a common bacterial cause of peptic ulcers. These bacteria can disrupt the mucous layer of the stomach, making it more susceptible to damage by stomach acid.

Endoscopy is the main diagnostic test for peptic ulcers, allowing direct visualization of the ulcer. Other tests include the urea breath test, stool antigen test, and blood tests for H. pylori.

Possible complications include bleeding (which can lead to anemia), perforation of the stomach or duodenal wall, and gastric outlet obstruction.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can increase the risk of peptic ulcers by interfering with the stomach's ability to protect itself from stomach acid.