Stomach Pain After Eating in Lagos — Ulcer or Something Else?

“Ulcer” is one of the most self-diagnosed conditions in Nigeria, and one of the most often wrong. The pattern matters: pain relieved by food points one way, pain worsened by food another. H. pylori is behind a large share of true ulcers, and it is curable — but only once confirmed.

Seek care urgently if you have any of these

If any of the above applies, do not wait for an appointment — go to the nearest emergency department.

Not sure how serious it is?

Answer three quick questions. We will open WhatsApp with your answers written out, so you do not have to explain twice.

When is the pain worst?

How long?

Anything else?

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What usually causes this

H. pylori infection

A bacterial infection behind most true peptic ulcers. Curable with the right combination, once tested.

Acid reflux (GERD)

Burning rising into the chest, worse lying down or after large meals.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining, frequently caused by painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Gallstones

Pain after fatty meals, often in the right upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the shoulder.

Functional dyspepsia

Real symptoms with no structural cause found — a diagnosis made after excluding the others.

What we would check

H. pylori TestIdentifies the bacterium behind most ulcers Abdominal UltrasoundChecks the gallbladder, liver and pancreas Full Blood CountDetects anaemia from slow bleeding

Other symptoms people ask about

This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. It cannot replace being examined. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.