
At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we believe in empowering you with clear information. This guide explains peptic ulcers, from causes and symptoms to the treatment options available through the NHS and private medical insurance in the UK, helping you make informed decisions about your health.
A peptic ulcer can be a painful and disruptive condition, but the good news is that it's highly treatable. Understanding your options is the first step towards getting back on your feet.
Imagine a small, raw sore, like a mouth ulcer, but located on the inside lining of your digestive system. That's essentially what a peptic ulcer is. It's an open sore that develops when the protective mucous layer of your stomach or small intestine is worn away by digestive acids.
Peptic ulcers are named based on their location:
For decades, people mistakenly believed that stress and spicy foods were the main culprits. While these can certainly aggravate an existing ulcer, we now know the true causes are usually quite different.
The most common sign of a peptic ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of your abdomen, just below your breastbone. This pain can last from a few minutes to several hours and often feels worse when your stomach is empty or between meals.
Other common symptoms include:
Some symptoms are a sign of a more serious problem, like bleeding or a perforation (a hole in the stomach lining). If you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention by calling 111 or visiting A&E:
As we mentioned, the old belief that stress or a diet rich in spicy food causes ulcers is a myth. While they can make symptoms worse, they don't cause the ulcer itself. The two leading causes are far more specific.
H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can live in the digestive tract. For many people, it causes no problems. However, in some individuals, it can disrupt the protective mucus layer of the stomach and small intestine. This allows powerful stomach acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath, causing irritation and eventually an ulcer. It's the most common cause of peptic ulcers worldwide.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
| Common NSAIDs |
|---|
| Ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) |
| Aspirin (especially daily low-dose) |
| Naproxen |
| Diclofenac |
These medications, especially when taken for a long time or at high doses, can interfere with the stomach's ability to protect itself from its own acid. This makes the lining more vulnerable to damage, leading to the formation of an ulcer.
Less common causes include other medications like steroids, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and rare medical conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
If you suspect you have a peptic ulcer, your first stop will be your GP. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you're taking. Based on this conversation, they may recommend one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
H. pylori Tests: To check for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria, your GP might arrange:
Gastroscopy (Endoscopy): This is the most definitive test for diagnosing an ulcer.
You'll be offered a sedative to make you comfortable, or a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat. The procedure itself is quick, usually lasting around 15 minutes.
Once diagnosed, peptic ulcers are usually straightforward to treat. The treatment aims to get rid of the underlying cause, heal the ulcer, and prevent it from coming back.
The NHS provides excellent care for peptic ulcers. The standard treatment depends on the cause:
The main challenge within the NHS can be waiting times. According to NHS England performance data, waiting lists for diagnostic procedures like a gastroscopy can be lengthy. In some areas, patients may wait several weeks or even months for a non-urgent test, which can be a period of significant discomfort and anxiety.
This is where private medical insurance (PMI) offers a significant advantage. If you develop symptoms of a peptic ulcer after your policy has started, you can use your cover to bypass the queues and get treated quickly.
Here’s a comparison of the typical patient journeys:
| Feature | NHS Pathway | Private Pathway (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | GP appointment, then referral to an NHS specialist. | GP referral, then immediate booking with a private specialist of your choice. |
| Waiting for Diagnostics | Can face a wait of several weeks or months for a gastroscopy. | A gastroscopy can often be arranged within days, at a time that suits you. |
| Choice of Specialist | You will be seen by the consultant on duty at your local NHS hospital. | You can choose your gastroenterologist based on their reputation or location. |
| Hospital & Environment | Treatment in an NHS hospital, likely on a shared ward. | Treatment in a private hospital, often with a private en-suite room. |
| Follow-up | Follow-up appointments are scheduled according to NHS availability. | Follow-up appointments are booked promptly with your chosen specialist. |
| Cost | Free at the point of use. | Covered by your insurance policy (subject to your policy excess). |
Using private health cover means you can move from suffering symptoms to getting a definitive diagnosis and starting treatment in a fraction of the time. For a condition that causes daily pain and discomfort, this speed can make a world of difference to your quality of life.
This is a critical point to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
Standard private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
If you have already been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer or have been to your doctor with symptoms before buying a policy, it will be excluded from your cover. However, if you are currently healthy and develop an ulcer in the future, a PMI policy would be there to help you get diagnosed and treated quickly.
When you apply for cover, you'll go through underwriting. The two main types are:
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can explain these options in detail to help you find the most suitable policy.
While medical treatment is essential, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms during recovery and reduce your risk of developing an ulcer in the first place.
The goal is to choose foods that don't irritate your stomach and to avoid those that increase acid production.
| Foods to Enjoy | Foods to Limit or Avoid |
|---|---|
| Fibre-rich foods: Oats, apples, carrots, pears | Spicy Foods: Curries, chillies, hot peppers |
| Probiotic foods: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut | Acidic Foods: Tomatoes, citrus fruits |
| Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, turkey, beans | Fatty Foods: Fried food, processed meats, cream |
| Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, broccoli | Caffeine: Coffee, tea, some fizzy drinks |
| Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil | Alcohol: Irritates the stomach lining |
Tracking your diet can be a powerful tool. At WeCovr, we provide all our life and health insurance customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It can help you identify trigger foods and build a stomach-friendly diet.
Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex. With dozens of providers and policies, how do you know which one is right for you? That's where an independent broker like WeCovr comes in.
We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to represent you.
We also believe in rewarding our customers. When you take out a private medical insurance or life insurance policy through WeCovr, we offer discounts on other types of cover you might need, helping you protect your family and finances for less.
A peptic ulcer can be a source of significant discomfort, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can heal completely. Private medical insurance offers a fast track to that diagnosis and care, giving you peace of mind and control over your health journey.
At WeCovr, our friendly experts are ready to help you compare quotes from across the market to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
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