Beyond skipping meals: What really causes stomach ulcers?

Man smoking Certain habits may increase the risk of developing or worsening ulcer symptoms, including: Excessive alcohol consumption Smoking Poor dietary habits Frequent use of certain medications without medical guidance Ulcer symptoms vary from person to person, but common signs include: Burning or painful discomfort in the upper abdomen Stomach pain that may occur between meals or at night Feeling bloated Frequent burping Nausea Loss of appetite Feeling full quickly Some warning signs require urgent medical attention, including: Vomiting blood Black or tar-like stool Unexplained weight loss Severe or persistent stomach pain When left untreated, stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications.

Stomach perforation: In severe cases, an ulcer may create a hole in the stomach wall, which is a medical emergency.

That said, irregular eating patterns may increase discomfort in people who already have ulcers because an empty stomach may allow acid irritation to become more noticeable.