Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum is a fairly common condition that manifests as pain in the upper abdomen, burning or complaints after meals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ulcers heal completely. At our center in Bratislava at Bernolákova 9 we examine you without a long wait. The lead specialist for gastroenterology is MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský.
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, under sedation and with no referral needed
- Comprehensive diagnostics including a Helicobacter pylori test and laboratory
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What stomach and duodenal ulcers are
An ulcer is a defined defect in the lining of the stomach or duodenum that develops when the aggressive action of stomach acid outweighs the protective mechanisms of the lining. Ulcers in the duodenum are more common than ulcers in the stomach itself.
An untreated ulcer can cause serious complications – bleeding, narrowing of the stomach outlet or, in extreme cases, perforation of the wall. That is why upper abdominal complaints that persist or recur are worth examining early rather than masking with over-the-counter medication.
At Proctocare we diagnose and treat peptic ulcer disease comprehensively – from gastroscopy through the Helicobacter pylori test to checking the success of treatment.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease
The complaints often differ depending on whether the ulcer is in the stomach or in the duodenum
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen – with a stomach ulcer often shortly after meals, with a duodenal ulcer rather on an empty stomach and at night, with relief after eating
- A feeling of fullness, bloating and early satiety
- Nausea, occasional vomiting
- Heartburn and belching
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sometimes an ulcer runs without marked complaints and manifests only through a complication – anemia or bleeding
Causes and risk factors
Two causes are behind the great majority of ulcers – and both can be addressed
Helicobacter pylori
A bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. It can be reliably detected by a test and treated in a targeted way.
Painkillers (NSAIDs)
Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for example ibuprofen or diclofenac – weakens the protection of the lining and is one of the main causes of ulcers.
Smoking and alcohol
They impair the blood supply and defenses of the lining, slow the healing of ulcers and increase the risk of their recurrence.
Stress and other factors
Long-term stress, irregular meals or a combination of several risks make healing more difficult. The role of stress is contributory rather than causal.
Diagnosis of ulcers at our center
The basis of diagnosis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination in which the doctor directly visualizes the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer precisely and, if necessary, takes samples for histological examination. On request you can have it under sedation, with minimal discomfort.
Part of the examination is the search for the cause – a stool test for Helicobacter pylori. If needed, we add laboratory tests, for example a blood count if blood loss from the digestive tract is suspected.
You will usually get an appointment for a gastroscopy at our center within a few days, no referral needed.
Treatment of peptic ulcer disease at our center
With proper treatment, most ulcers heal completely within a few weeks
Acid-reducing medication
The basis of ulcer healing is medication that suppresses stomach acid production (proton pump inhibitors), which we prescribe for the necessary period.
Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment
With a confirmed infection, we prescribe a combination of antibiotics with an acid-reducing medication. Successful elimination of the bacterium considerably reduces the risk of the ulcer recurring.
Adjusting medication and lifestyle
We review the painkillers you take and recommend gentler alternatives or stomach protection. We also advise on diet, smoking and alcohol.
Checking that the ulcer has healed
We verify the success of eradication with a control test and, with a stomach ulcer, recommend a follow-up gastroscopy to confirm complete healing.
Complications of ulcers – massive bleeding or perforation – belong in a hospital. We provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up and, if needed, direct you to the right place.
When to see a doctor
Peptic ulcer disease can be treated – but its complications cannot wait
- Black, tarry stool or blood in the stool
- Vomiting blood or contents resembling coffee grounds
- Sudden severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdominal wall
- Unintended weight loss, loss of appetite or anemia found in tests
- Upper abdominal pain that persists, recurs or wakes you at night
Frequently asked questions about stomach ulcers
Reliably only by gastroscopy – the doctor directly sees the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer and can take samples. The symptoms themselves overlap with reflux or functional complaints. At our center you can usually have a gastroscopy within a few days, under sedation on request.
It is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. At our center we detect it by a stool test, or from samples taken during gastroscopy. If the result is positive, we prescribe eradication treatment.
It is a roughly two-week combination of antibiotics with a medication that reduces stomach acid production. It is important to complete the whole course and then verify its success with a control test – we take care of all of this at our center.
Yes, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example ibuprofen or diclofenac) is, together with Helicobacter pylori infection, one of the two main causes of ulcers. If you need these medications, we advise you on a safer alternative or stomach protection.
In most cases yes – with proper treatment the ulcer heals within a few weeks. The key is to remove the cause, i.e. to treat Helicobacter pylori or adjust risky medication, otherwise the ulcer may come back.
In the case of complications – bleeding or perforation. These manifest as black stool, vomiting blood or sudden severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical attention.
Related topics
Helicobacter pylori test
The most common cause of ulcers can be reliably detected by a stool test and treated in a targeted way.
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum – the basis of ulcer diagnosis, at our center also under sedation.
Acid reflux and heartburn
Burning in the upper abdomen does not necessarily mean an ulcer – a common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book an examination
Gastroscopy and a Helicobacter pylori test without a long wait and with no referral needed. Call +421 948 687 667 – Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum is a fairly common condition that manifests as pain in the upper abdomen, burning or complaints after meals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ulcers heal completely. At our center in Bratislava at Bernolákova 9 we examine you without a long wait. The lead specialist for gastroenterology is MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský.
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, under sedation and with no referral needed
- Comprehensive diagnostics including a Helicobacter pylori test and laboratory
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What stomach and duodenal ulcers are
An ulcer is a defined defect in the lining of the stomach or duodenum that develops when the aggressive action of stomach acid outweighs the protective mechanisms of the lining. Ulcers in the duodenum are more common than ulcers in the stomach itself.
An untreated ulcer can cause serious complications – bleeding, narrowing of the stomach outlet or, in extreme cases, perforation of the wall. That is why upper abdominal complaints that persist or recur are worth examining early rather than masking with over-the-counter medication.
At Proctocare we diagnose and treat peptic ulcer disease comprehensively – from gastroscopy through the Helicobacter pylori test to checking the success of treatment.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease
The complaints often differ depending on whether the ulcer is in the stomach or in the duodenum
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen – with a stomach ulcer often shortly after meals, with a duodenal ulcer rather on an empty stomach and at night, with relief after eating
- A feeling of fullness, bloating and early satiety
- Nausea, occasional vomiting
- Heartburn and belching
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sometimes an ulcer runs without marked complaints and manifests only through a complication – anemia or bleeding
Causes and risk factors
Two causes are behind the great majority of ulcers – and both can be addressed
Helicobacter pylori
A bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. It can be reliably detected by a test and treated in a targeted way.
Painkillers (NSAIDs)
Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for example ibuprofen or diclofenac – weakens the protection of the lining and is one of the main causes of ulcers.
Smoking and alcohol
They impair the blood supply and defenses of the lining, slow the healing of ulcers and increase the risk of their recurrence.
Stress and other factors
Long-term stress, irregular meals or a combination of several risks make healing more difficult. The role of stress is contributory rather than causal.
Diagnosis of ulcers at our center
The basis of diagnosis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination in which the doctor directly visualizes the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer precisely and, if necessary, takes samples for histological examination. On request you can have it under sedation, with minimal discomfort.
Part of the examination is the search for the cause – a stool test for Helicobacter pylori. If needed, we add laboratory tests, for example a blood count if blood loss from the digestive tract is suspected.
You will usually get an appointment for a gastroscopy at our center within a few days, no referral needed.
Treatment of peptic ulcer disease at our center
With proper treatment, most ulcers heal completely within a few weeks
Acid-reducing medication
The basis of ulcer healing is medication that suppresses stomach acid production (proton pump inhibitors), which we prescribe for the necessary period.
Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment
With a confirmed infection, we prescribe a combination of antibiotics with an acid-reducing medication. Successful elimination of the bacterium considerably reduces the risk of the ulcer recurring.
Adjusting medication and lifestyle
We review the painkillers you take and recommend gentler alternatives or stomach protection. We also advise on diet, smoking and alcohol.
Checking that the ulcer has healed
We verify the success of eradication with a control test and, with a stomach ulcer, recommend a follow-up gastroscopy to confirm complete healing.
Complications of ulcers – massive bleeding or perforation – belong in a hospital. We provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up and, if needed, direct you to the right place.
When to see a doctor
Peptic ulcer disease can be treated – but its complications cannot wait
- Black, tarry stool or blood in the stool
- Vomiting blood or contents resembling coffee grounds
- Sudden severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdominal wall
- Unintended weight loss, loss of appetite or anemia found in tests
- Upper abdominal pain that persists, recurs or wakes you at night
Frequently asked questions about stomach ulcers
Reliably only by gastroscopy – the doctor directly sees the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer and can take samples. The symptoms themselves overlap with reflux or functional complaints. At our center you can usually have a gastroscopy within a few days, under sedation on request.
It is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. At our center we detect it by a stool test, or from samples taken during gastroscopy. If the result is positive, we prescribe eradication treatment.
It is a roughly two-week combination of antibiotics with a medication that reduces stomach acid production. It is important to complete the whole course and then verify its success with a control test – we take care of all of this at our center.
Yes, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example ibuprofen or diclofenac) is, together with Helicobacter pylori infection, one of the two main causes of ulcers. If you need these medications, we advise you on a safer alternative or stomach protection.
In most cases yes – with proper treatment the ulcer heals within a few weeks. The key is to remove the cause, i.e. to treat Helicobacter pylori or adjust risky medication, otherwise the ulcer may come back.
In the case of complications – bleeding or perforation. These manifest as black stool, vomiting blood or sudden severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical attention.
Related topics
Helicobacter pylori test
The most common cause of ulcers can be reliably detected by a stool test and treated in a targeted way.
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum – the basis of ulcer diagnosis, at our center also under sedation.
Acid reflux and heartburn
Burning in the upper abdomen does not necessarily mean an ulcer – a common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book an examination
Gastroscopy and a Helicobacter pylori test without a long wait and with no referral needed. Call +421 948 687 667 – Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum is a fairly common condition that manifests as pain in the upper abdomen, burning or complaints after meals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ulcers heal completely. At our center in Bratislava at Bernolákova 9 we examine you without a long wait. The lead specialist for gastroenterology is MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský.
- Lead specialist for gastroenterology MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský
- Gastroscopy usually within a few days, under sedation and with no referral needed
- Comprehensive diagnostics including a Helicobacter pylori test and laboratory
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What stomach and duodenal ulcers are
An ulcer is a defined defect in the lining of the stomach or duodenum that develops when the aggressive action of stomach acid outweighs the protective mechanisms of the lining. Ulcers in the duodenum are more common than ulcers in the stomach itself.
An untreated ulcer can cause serious complications – bleeding, narrowing of the stomach outlet or, in extreme cases, perforation of the wall. That is why upper abdominal complaints that persist or recur are worth examining early rather than masking with over-the-counter medication.
At Proctocare we diagnose and treat peptic ulcer disease comprehensively – from gastroscopy through the Helicobacter pylori test to checking the success of treatment.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease
The complaints often differ depending on whether the ulcer is in the stomach or in the duodenum
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen – with a stomach ulcer often shortly after meals, with a duodenal ulcer rather on an empty stomach and at night, with relief after eating
- A feeling of fullness, bloating and early satiety
- Nausea, occasional vomiting
- Heartburn and belching
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sometimes an ulcer runs without marked complaints and manifests only through a complication – anemia or bleeding
Causes and risk factors
Two causes are behind the great majority of ulcers – and both can be addressed
Helicobacter pylori
A bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. It can be reliably detected by a test and treated in a targeted way.
Painkillers (NSAIDs)
Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for example ibuprofen or diclofenac – weakens the protection of the lining and is one of the main causes of ulcers.
Smoking and alcohol
They impair the blood supply and defenses of the lining, slow the healing of ulcers and increase the risk of their recurrence.
Stress and other factors
Long-term stress, irregular meals or a combination of several risks make healing more difficult. The role of stress is contributory rather than causal.
Diagnosis of ulcers at our center
The basis of diagnosis is gastroscopy – an endoscopic examination in which the doctor directly visualizes the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer precisely and, if necessary, takes samples for histological examination. On request you can have it under sedation, with minimal discomfort.
Part of the examination is the search for the cause – a stool test for Helicobacter pylori. If needed, we add laboratory tests, for example a blood count if blood loss from the digestive tract is suspected.
You will usually get an appointment for a gastroscopy at our center within a few days, no referral needed.
Treatment of peptic ulcer disease at our center
With proper treatment, most ulcers heal completely within a few weeks
Acid-reducing medication
The basis of ulcer healing is medication that suppresses stomach acid production (proton pump inhibitors), which we prescribe for the necessary period.
Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment
With a confirmed infection, we prescribe a combination of antibiotics with an acid-reducing medication. Successful elimination of the bacterium considerably reduces the risk of the ulcer recurring.
Adjusting medication and lifestyle
We review the painkillers you take and recommend gentler alternatives or stomach protection. We also advise on diet, smoking and alcohol.
Checking that the ulcer has healed
We verify the success of eradication with a control test and, with a stomach ulcer, recommend a follow-up gastroscopy to confirm complete healing.
Complications of ulcers – massive bleeding or perforation – belong in a hospital. We provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up and, if needed, direct you to the right place.
When to see a doctor
Peptic ulcer disease can be treated – but its complications cannot wait
- Black, tarry stool or blood in the stool
- Vomiting blood or contents resembling coffee grounds
- Sudden severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdominal wall
- Unintended weight loss, loss of appetite or anemia found in tests
- Upper abdominal pain that persists, recurs or wakes you at night
Frequently asked questions about stomach ulcers
Reliably only by gastroscopy – the doctor directly sees the lining of the stomach and duodenum, describes the ulcer and can take samples. The symptoms themselves overlap with reflux or functional complaints. At our center you can usually have a gastroscopy within a few days, under sedation on request.
It is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and is the most common cause of ulcers. At our center we detect it by a stool test, or from samples taken during gastroscopy. If the result is positive, we prescribe eradication treatment.
It is a roughly two-week combination of antibiotics with a medication that reduces stomach acid production. It is important to complete the whole course and then verify its success with a control test – we take care of all of this at our center.
Yes, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example ibuprofen or diclofenac) is, together with Helicobacter pylori infection, one of the two main causes of ulcers. If you need these medications, we advise you on a safer alternative or stomach protection.
In most cases yes – with proper treatment the ulcer heals within a few weeks. The key is to remove the cause, i.e. to treat Helicobacter pylori or adjust risky medication, otherwise the ulcer may come back.
In the case of complications – bleeding or perforation. These manifest as black stool, vomiting blood or sudden severe abdominal pain and require immediate medical attention.
Related topics
Helicobacter pylori test
The most common cause of ulcers can be reliably detected by a stool test and treated in a targeted way.
Gastroscopy
Endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum – the basis of ulcer diagnosis, at our center also under sedation.
Acid reflux and heartburn
Burning in the upper abdomen does not necessarily mean an ulcer – a common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Who will take care of you
Gastroenterologist · lead specialist for gastroenterology at Proctocare
MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach. He has also long specialized in inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience
- Gastroenterology Clinic of the Slovak Medical University and the University Hospital Bratislava
- Publishing and lecturing activity in the field
Gastroenterologist · head of the endoscopy unit at the University Hospital Bratislava (UNB)
A gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience in digestive endoscopy. He specializes in gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Gastroenterologist · Bratislava office
She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, including endoscopic examinations and functional gastroenterology, with an emphasis on patient comfort during the examination.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Tomáš Zamborský – gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience, head medical guarantor of gastroenterology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Book an examination
Gastroscopy and a Helicobacter pylori test without a long wait and with no referral needed. Call +421 948 687 667 – Bratislava, Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II).
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk