Hello, You are experiencing pain in the center of the chest if you don t eat for a few hours. After eating the pain goes away. You don t have ulcer. The formation of stomach acid makes the pain worse and the pain increases in empty stomach. You may not have ulcer but you are experiencing the symptoms. If you are not careful you may get ulcer(gastric or duodenal) in long term. You are suggested to take food in time. Do not skip meals. Take adequate amount of fluids and water. Avoid taking spicy oily food, smoking, stress (emotional and physical) can trigger the symptoms. Avoid it. Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of the stomach, and increase the amount of stomach acid that s produced. Avoid taking alcohol. Protect yourself from infections like H. pylori. Do this by frequently washing your hands with soap and water. Eat foods that have been cooked completely and hygienically. Avoid NSAIDs for medication. Take antacid or a proton pump inhibitor to help prevent the acid formation and to reduce the pain and discomfort. Get clinically examined and evaluated, get the required tests and imaging tests done. You may need medical support. You will be accordingly treated. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician