Can gastric ulcers be cured?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should be noted for bleeding from gastric ulcers?

After a gastric ulcer bleeds, the first thing to pay attention to is emotional control. Many people will feel emotionally excited and fearful when they experience bleeding and vomiting, and at this time, family members should soothe them promptly; Secondly, dietary adjustments should be made. Eat more soft, easily digestible foods, such as noodles, soft rice, soy milk, eggs, as well as a lot of green vegetables and fresh fruits. Supplementing with vitamin C can help heal the ulcer. In addition, restrict some raw, spicy, and fried foods. You should eat less food that is too sweet, too hot, too acidic, or too salty, and actively quit smoking and drinking.

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Written by Chen Rong
Gastroenterology
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Is bleeding from gastric ulcers easy to treat?

Patients with gastric ulcer bleeding should undergo emergency gastroscopy within 24-48 hours after bleeding to perform differential diagnosis, confirm the bleeding status, and conduct endoscopic treatment. The first choice of medication is drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion, commonly using PPI preparations or H2 receptor antagonists. However, PPI preparations and intravenous administration should be preferred in cases of major bleeding. If bleeding persists or recurs after pharmacological treatment, endoscopic treatment can be performed, including spraying hemostatic drugs, injecting sclerosing agents, and using hemostatic clips. If endoscopic treatment is unsuccessful, vascular interventional embolization or gastroduodenal artery treatment can be pursued. In cases where the patient repeatedly bleeds and both medical and endoscopic treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should be noted for gastric ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are closely related to lifestyle, dietary habits, and work stress. First, it is important to rest more and reduce mental stress. Secondly, improve dietary habits by eating regular meals, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and easy-to-digest foods while reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Pay strict attention to quitting smoking and alcohol, drinking less strong tea and coffee, actively use medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa, and persist in taking medication as prescribed by a doctor. Avoid life's irritants, strengthen physical exercise, and engage in more outdoor activities to regulate physical and mental health.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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How is a gastric ulcer diagnosed?

Gastric ulcers can generally be diagnosed through gastroscopy. They are commonly found in middle-aged and elderly patients, particularly those between the ages of 30-40. Some patients present with abdominal pain, bloating, and general discomfort, while a small number of patients might not experience abdominal pain but present with gastrointestinal bleeding, indicated by black stools or blood in stool. Therefore, if abdominal pain is suspected, it is generally recommended that patients undergo routine blood tests and gastroscopy, among other examinations. The abdominal pain from gastric ulcers usually manifests as upper abdominal pain, occurring in episodic attacks, with chronic and recurrent episodes and a long history of illness. Symptoms typically worsen after eating but may gradually alleviate on their own. Of course, taking some stomach-protecting medication can help manage the condition. A small portion of patients may also experience nausea and belching, which are nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. If gastric ulcers are suspected, further screening for Helicobacter pylori is usually conducted. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)