Gastric ulcers are viewed as inflammatory defects of the gastric mucosa related to gastric acid and digestive action; they are not infectious and do not have contagious properties. Typical symptoms include pain that recurs or appears periodically, worsening after eating, and gradually easing one to two hours after meals. Common causes include infection by Helicobacter pylori, the digestive action of gastric acid and pepsin, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. The main treatment involves medication that suppresses gastric acid secretion and protects the gastric mucosa, along with enhanced health education, strict rest, regular meals, and cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)