What medicine to take for gastric ulcer?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The stomach ulcers referred to here are generally benign gastric ulcers. The treatment plan should be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, it is first important to develop good dietary and living habits, and then treat the symptoms, such as suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, and increasing gastric motility. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed. Typically, a triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy is used; a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics constitute the triple therapy, and adding a bismuth agent constitutes the quadruple therapy. A course of treatment lasts for two weeks, which generally can eradicate the bacteria for a definitive cure. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, according to specific conditions.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does gastric ulcer require hospitalization?

Whether a stomach ulcer requires hospitalization depends on the condition. For minor ulcers, if the pain is mild and there are no significant symptoms of vomiting or nausea, treatment can be managed with medication, such as drugs that inhibit stomach acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. It is also important to regulate diet, eat soft foods, avoid cold, spicy foods, and alcohol, as symptoms can gradually ease. If the ulcer is larger and exhibits perforation or bleeding, hospital treatment is necessary, usually involving a significant portion of the stomach being surgically removed to completely cure the ulcer. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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What is a stomach ulcer?

Peptic ulcer is caused by long-term Helicobacter pylori infection and the consumption of stomach-irritating medications such as corticosteroids, aspirin, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as irregular intake of spicy, stimulating, and cold foods, coupled with long-term emergency mental factors, leading to postprandial pain. The main symptoms are periodic rhythmic upper abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Diagnosis can be made by performing a gastroscopy. Treatment mainly involves the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and protective stomach treatments among other symptomatic treatments. Complications may include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, pyloric obstruction, and malignant transformation. Dietary recommendations include avoiding smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, indigestible foods, and some stimulating condiments.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal?

Gastric ulcers are a very common disease in gastroenterology. For minor ulcers, adjustments in diet, quitting smoking and drinking, consuming more green vegetables, getting more rest, and reducing mental stress can gradually lead to recovery. More severe ulcers require active medication use. To achieve ulcer healing, the course of acid-reducing medication usually lasts four to six weeks. Commonly used medications include those that inhibit gastric acid secretion, such as HR receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, as well as some bismuth agents and weakly alkaline antacids to protect the stomach lining. Meanwhile, dietary management should be strengthened. Through effective medical treatment, the healing rate of gastric ulcers can reach over 95%. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to treat bleeding from gastric ulcers?

If it is a mild gastric ulcer bleeding, it may only manifest as black stool without any obvious specific discomfort symptoms and stable vital signs. This condition can be managed by controlling the diet and appropriately taking or intravenously using proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc., which often can be curative. If the bleeding is considerable, presenting symptoms like vomiting coffee-colored or dark red liquid, fainting, profuse sweating, blood pressure drop, etc., this condition requires timely hospital treatment. Medication primarily includes proton pump inhibitors combined with hemostatic drugs, nutritional support, prevention of complications, etc. If the medical treatment is ineffective, endoscopic hemostasis might be needed, and further more, 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.