What causes stomach ulcers?

Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Gastric ulcers are primarily caused by several major factors: Helicobacter pylori infection; medications that harm the stomach and damage the gastric mucosa, such as corticosteroids, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, macrolide antibiotics, etc.; long-term irregular eating habits and the consumption of spicy, raw, or irritating foods; long-term mental stress, being in a prolonged state of stress, which can easily lead to gastric ulcers; and excessive stomach acid and pepsin, as well as other physical and biological factors.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers refer to inflammatory defects in the gastric mucosa, with several common causes as follows: First, infection with Helicobacter pylori is directly related to the development of peptic ulcers. Second, various drugs that damage the gastric mucosa, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid hormones, etc. Third, dietary factors. Long-term alcohol consumption, spicy foods, strong tea, and coffee can all cause gastric ulcers. Fourth, the digestive actions of gastric acid and pepsin damage the gastric mucosa, leading to a decline in the protective barrier function of the mucosa and causing ulcers. Fifth, abnormalities in gastric motility and decreased emptying ability, leading to food retention in the stomach, continuously irritating the gastric mucosa, causing increased gastric acid secretion and resulting in ulcers.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Precautions for Gastric Ulcer

Patients with gastric ulcers should pay more attention to rest, reduce mental stress, and, moreover, enhance health education, maintain regular eating habits, have meals at fixed times and in fixed amounts, eat less greasy, spicy, and irritating food, strictly abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol, and drink less strong tea, coffee, and other such beverages. Actively use medical treatment, commonly using medications that suppress stomach acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. To achieve ulcer healing, the course of acid-suppressing medication generally lasts 4 to 6 weeks. One should maintain a relaxed mood, as excessive tension and anxiety can aggravate ulcer symptoms. Through effective medical treatment, the cure rate of peptic ulcers can reach over 95%. Even after healing, strict attention must be paid to dietary habits. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 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.)