How is a gastric ulcer diagnosed?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 17, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How is a gastric ulcer diagnosed?

Gastric ulcers are inflammatory defects that occur on the gastric mucosa, related to the gastric acid and digestive actions of gastric juices. Diagnosis mainly relies on clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations, with typical symptoms including recurring or periodic upper abdominal pain that worsens after eating, as well as occurrences of belching. X-ray barium meal examinations can reveal filling defects, and gastroscopy can provide a full view of the ulcer. Treatment primarily involves the use of medications that suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. Additionally, it is important to enhance health education, eat less spicy and greasy food, have meals regularly and in measured amounts, and consume more green vegetables. (Specific medication use should be carried out 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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What can I eat with a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcers are a common upper gastrointestinal disease. The main causes are related to Helicobacter pylori infection, poor dietary habits, medication irritation, or chronic mental stress. Incomplete treatment of gastric ulcers can lead to recurrent episodes, and in severe cases, may evolve into gastric cancer. Thus, it is crucial to develop good dietary and living habits while undergoing proper treatment. Dietarily, it is advised to eat light, easily digestible foods such as soft, mushy rice, noodles, porridge, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat products should be cooked in a light manner, avoiding overly greasy or spicy foods. Additionally, quitting smoking and alcohol and maintaining a positive mood are also beneficial.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Gastric ulcer clinical symptoms

Gastric ulcers are a common clinical manifestation, with diverse symptoms. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or early satiety. Typically, the abdominal pain is more noticeable after eating and presents as postprandial abdominal pain, but it can naturally subside after several hours. Of course, when accompanied by complications such as decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting, it can manifest as vomiting blood or bloody stools, with the stools often being loose and black in color. Therefore, clinically, if you encounter situations like bleeding stools or vomiting blood accompanied by abdominal pain, ulcers should be considered, and it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a local hospital. If these conditions are relatively stable, they can be managed with medication.

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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.