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Gastric Ulcer
What department should I go to for gastric ulcers?
Gastric ulcer is a gastrointestinal disease. Therefore, it requires consultation in the department of gastroenterology or gastroenterology clinic. Gastric ulcer is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori, inappropriate medication use, irregular diet, or certain psychological factors, and can arise in emergency situations. It presents with periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain, more often occurring in the autumn and winter seasons, and can be diagnosed through gastroscopy. For treatment, methods mainly include triple therapy or quadruple therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori and facilitate gastric recovery.
What foods to eat for gastric ulcers?
People with stomach ulcers should eat foods that are easy to digest and high in protein and vitamins, such as soft rice, porridge, and noodles. Foods rich in protein include fish, milk, and walnuts. Foods high in vitamins include tomatoes, carrots, bean sprouts, and spinach. Patients with stomach ulcers should avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, leeks, and ginger, as well as seasonings like cinnamon, star anise, and Sichuan pepper. They should also avoid overly acidic foods, raw and cold foods, fried foods, and foods that are high in rough fiber.
Can gastric ulcers be cured?
Gastric ulcers are classified into benign and malignant types. Most duodenal bulb ulcers and gastric ulcers are benign and can be cured through medication. Treatment plans are usually determined based on the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection can be treated with antibacterial therapy. If there is no infection, symptomatic treatment alone is generally sufficient for a cure. If the ulcer is malignant or is a giant ulcer, surgical treatment is generally required. For those who cannot undergo surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be needed. Generally, the prognosis for malignant ulcers is worse than for benign ulcers.
Is gastric ulcer contagious?
Gastric ulcers are lesions that occur in the gastric mucosa. Ulcer disease is not contagious, therefore it does not transmit from person to person. Most gastric ulcers are caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori, which damages the protective barrier of the gastric mucosa, and ulcers arise under the stimulation of gastric acid. The principles of treatment mainly involve eradicating Helicobacter pylori, suppressing gastric acid secretion, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Additionally, dietary control is important, including eating more vegetables and fruits, consuming less spicy and irritating foods, and paying attention to regular and measured meal times.
Medications for treating gastric ulcers
Here I will introduce several major types of medications for treating gastric ulcers, but specific medication use should be consulted with a doctor or pharmacist according to individual conditions. The first major type is anti-gastric acid medications. Since gastric acid plays a significant role in ulcerative lesions, it is considered appropriate to treat gastric ulcers by adjusting the stomach environment to a pH of 3.5. Anti-acid medications include antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and others. The second major type is gastric mucosal protectants, which include some class B drugs, prostaglandin derivatives, and some containing sucralfate. The third major type is medications that treat Helicobacter pylori, with quadruple therapy currently being a common practice. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Causes of gastric ulcer
It is currently believed that Helicobacter pylori infection is closely related to gastritis activity, ulcer formation, and tumors. Therefore, the main cause of gastric ulcers is the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Other factors, such as drugs, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid medications, often lead to gastric mucosal damage and result in peptic ulcers. Psychological factors, such as long-term excessive tension or high stress, often lead to peptic ulcers as well. Poor dietary and living habits, such as excessive drinking, consuming raw, irritating, greasy food, or binge eating, also promote the occurrence of peptic ulcers.
Complications of gastric ulcers
The main complications of gastric ulcers are fourfold: one is upper gastrointestinal bleeding; the second is perforation; the third is pyloric obstruction; the fourth is malignant transformation. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication of gastric ulcers. If a patient has experienced bleeding, there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Perforations mainly occur in elderly individuals. Pyloric obstruction is primarily caused by ulcers in the pyloric canal and pre-pyloric area. It is divided into mechanical obstruction and functional obstruction. Mechanical obstruction results from scarring after the ulcer heals, which narrows the pyloric opening. Functional obstruction is due to congestion and edema of the mucosa after the ulcer, causing relative narrowing of the pylorus. As for malignant transformation, it is still controversial, but it is generally believed to be around 1%-7%.
Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers
Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers include spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, onions, leeks, ginger, and alcoholic beverages. Seasonings like cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, and fennel should also be avoided. Acidic foods such as lemons, limes, and green apples are not recommended, as well as foods that can cause bloating like soybeans and peanuts. Additionally, cold foods such as ice water and frozen fruits, as well as fried and grilled foods like street food and barbecues, should be avoided. It is also advisable to limit intake of foods high in roughage, such as corn, buckwheat, and celery.
What causes bleeding from gastric ulcers?
Gastric ulcers can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, and if the ulcer further affects the blood vessels, it can lead to rupture of the vessels and cause bleeding. Therefore, gastric ulcers should be treated actively. If the amount of bleeding is substantial, it is advisable to opt for endoscopic hemostasis or use hemostatic medications, while also treating the ulcer fundamentally. If the ulcer is large, a major part of the stomach may be removed surgically. Post-operative care is crucial, including maintaining a balanced diet; the diet should consist mainly of soft, easily digestible foods, with an emphasis on consuming more vegetables and fruits, and avoiding spicy and cold foods.
What to eat for nutrition when suffering from bleeding gastric ulcers?
This condition should be a benign gastric ulcer with bleeding, during the recovery period after treatment. In addition to adhering to medical advice and maintaining medication, daily living habits are especially important. The stomach needs care; firstly, it is essential to quit smoking and drinking, avoid getting cold, and one can engage in appropriate activity, but avoid strenuous sports. Regarding diet, it should consist of light, easily digestible foods, such as soft rice, noodles, and porridge, among others. In particular, various fresh vegetables and fruits should be chosen. Try to avoid consuming too much raw, greasy, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages. Patients with gastric ulcers need to have regular check-ups, and it's also important to maintain a positive mindset.