Causes of gastric ulcer

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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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.

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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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Nursing measures for gastric ulcer bleeding

Gastric ulcer bleeding is quite common clinically. If the bleeding is severe, it can cause vomiting of blood. At this time, it is important to promptly clear the respiratory tract secretions, maintain oral cleanliness and hygiene, and prevent aspiration. For elderly people who are bedridden long-term, in nursing work, it is important to prevent pressure ulcers and the formation of deep vein thrombosis, by frequently patting the patient's back, moving their lower limbs, and wiping their lower back skin. The bleeding caused by the ulcer may cause the patient to panic. At this time, psychological care should be strengthened, communicate more with the patient, conduct counseling, try to avoid excessive agitation of the patient, and then actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is bleeding from a gastric ulcer serious?

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the common complications of peptic ulcers. If gastric ulcers cause vomiting blood, it often indicates that the bleeding is not minor and the condition is generally severe. It is usually considered that when about 250-300mL of blood accumulates in the stomach, vomiting blood may occur. Clinically, if vomiting blood occurs, it is firstly necessary to promptly hospitalize for treatment, including establishing venous access, nutritional support, and hemostatic treatment. Proton pump inhibitors or somatostatin analogs are commonly used. Additionally, if the bleeding does not stop, endoscopic treatment can be performed, such as spraying hemostatic drugs, electrocoagulation, or mechanical hemostasis. It is also necessary to monitor the patient's vital signs. If repeated bleeding occurs, a comprehensive treatment plan may be needed.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is a gastric ulcer in the pyloric region serious?

Whether gastric ulcers and duodenal bulb ulcers are severe depends on the size of the ulcers and whether there are complications. If there are complications such as perforation and bleeding, it can be very serious. Severe cases may require surgical intervention and could potentially endanger the patient's life. Patients with gastric and duodenal bulb ulcers are likely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, though it cannot be ruled out that some may be caused by ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. Treatment varies depending on the cause. For instance, if it is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, standardized eradication of Helicobacter pylori is necessary, along with comprehensive treatment to suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa.