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Written by: Favour Francis | Reviewed by: Dr Ortega Ogomigo
Introduction
Many Nigerians use the word ‘ulcer’ to describe almost any burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach.
Your chest burns after eating? ‘It’s ulcer’.
Your stomach hurts before breakfast? ‘It’s ulcer’.
You keep burping after meals? ‘It’s ulcer’.
But that’s not always the case.
While ulcers can cause stomach pain, many people experiencing heartburn or chest burn are actually dealing with acid reflux. Although these conditions can feel similar, they have different causes and may require different treatments.
In this article, we’ll explain
- What Acid Reflux is and why it is mistaken for an Ulcer
- How to tell the difference between Acid Reflux and Ulcer
- Frequently asked questions
What is Acid Reflux, and Why is it Often Mistaken for an Ulcer
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the oesophagus (food pipe), instead of staying where it belongs in the stomach. Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus acts like a valve, opening to let food into the stomach and closing afterwards to keep stomach contents from coming back up. When that valve becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid can travel upward, causing irritation.
Occasional acid reflux is common. In fact, many people have mild episodes after eating a large meal or lying down too soon after eating.
So why do so many people mistake acid reflux for an ulcer?
The biggest reason is that both conditions involve stomach acid and can cause a burning discomfort in the upper part of the body.
Ulcer or Acid Reflux: Here’s How to Tell the Difference
While only a doctor can confirm the cause of your symptoms, it helps to pay attention to where the pain occurs and what seems to trigger it, as this can provide useful clues.
One of the biggest differences is where the discomfort is located.
- Acid reflux usually causes a burning sensation that starts in the upper stomach or lower chest and may travel up toward the throat. This is what people commonly call heartburn.
- An ulcer is more likely to cause a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, just below the breastbone. The pain usually stays in that area rather than moving upward.
The timing of your symptoms can also provide clues.
- Acid reflux usually starts after eating, especially after large or fatty meals. It may also become worse when you lie down or bend over.
- Ulcer pain may occur when your stomach is empty, between meals, or during the night. Depending on the type of ulcer, eating may temporarily relieve the pain or make it worse.
Other symptoms that point to each condition
Acid reflux is more likely to cause:
- Heartburn
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Food or acid coming back up
- Frequent burping
- A chronic cough or hoarse voice
An ulcer is more likely to cause:
- A gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
- Feeling unusually full after eating a small amount
- Bloating
- Nausea
- In severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black stools
It’s important to remember that these are only clues, not a diagnosis. Some people have symptoms that overlap, and it’s even possible to have both an ulcer and acid reflux at the same time. If your symptoms keep returning or become severe, it’s best to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heartburn always a sign of acid reflux?
Not always. Heartburn is most commonly caused by acid reflux, but it can also be associated with other digestive conditions. In some cases, chest pain discomfort may even be related to a heart problem. If you experience severe or sudden chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arm, jaw, or back, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Can acid reflux go away on its own?
Yes. Mild acid reflux often improves with simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding lying down immediately after eating and reducing foods that trigger your symptoms. However, if symptoms occur regularly, you should see a doctor.
What foods should I avoid if I have acid reflux?
Many people find that symptoms worsen after eating fatty foods, fried foods, spicy meals, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, or eating large meals late at night. Triggers vary from person to person, so keeping a food diary can help identify yours.
Can I drink milk if I have an ulcer?
Milk may temporarily soothe the burning sensation caused by an ulcer, which is why many people believe it’s a treatment. However, it doesn’t heal ulcers or address their underlying causes, such as H. pylori infection or frequent use of certain painkillers. In some people, milk may even stimulate the stomach to produce more acid later on.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ulcer, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan rather than relying on milk as a remedy. You can also read our guide on the best Nigerian foods to eat if you have an ulcer to learn which foods can help support healing and which ones are best limited
From the desk of Koyo Doctors
The takeaway here is not to be too quick to label every burning feeling as an ulcer.
Your body has different ways of telling you that something isn’t right, and the only way to know what’s really going on is to get it checked.
So, if you’ve been dealing with recurring symptoms, don’t keep guessing or trying one remedy after another. You can talk to a Koyo doctor. Getting the right diagnosis can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary discomfort.
We’re always here when you need us.
