Symptoms after gastric ulcer bleeding

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 17, 2025
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The typical symptoms of a bleeding gastric ulcer include vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool. In cases of minor bleeding, the symptoms may solely manifest as black stools or bloody stools. Some patients may also exhibit symptoms of hypovolemia such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, chest tightness, and more. Therefore, bleeding associated with gastric ulcers corresponds to the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of gastric ulcer bleeding primarily relies on gastroscopy, which typically reveals the ulcers and allows for further assessment of their size, location, and number. Treatment options include conservative medication therapy, recommending that the patient rest and eat. Medications such as acid reducers and gastroprotective drugs can be used, with a treatment course of 6-8 weeks being appropriate. Of course, if the medication is not effective, surgical treatment options may be considered.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Symptoms after gastric ulcer bleeding

The typical symptoms of a bleeding gastric ulcer include vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool. In cases of minor bleeding, the symptoms may solely manifest as black stools or bloody stools. Some patients may also exhibit symptoms of hypovolemia such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, chest tightness, and more. Therefore, bleeding associated with gastric ulcers corresponds to the symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of gastric ulcer bleeding primarily relies on gastroscopy, which typically reveals the ulcers and allows for further assessment of their size, location, and number. Treatment options include conservative medication therapy, recommending that the patient rest and eat. Medications such as acid reducers and gastroprotective drugs can be used, with a treatment course of 6-8 weeks being appropriate. Of course, if the medication is not effective, surgical treatment options may be considered.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
1min 30sec home-news-image

How should gastric ulcers be treated?

The treatment of gastric ulcers is divided into general treatment and medication treatment. General treatment mainly requires patients to avoid spicy, irritating, and cold foods, maintain a calm mindset, have regular meals, and avoid the use of some drugs that can damage the stomach, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medication treatment can be administered through gastric protection, which includes drugs that neutralize stomach acid, such as magnesium aluminum carbonate chewable tablets. Drugs that suppress stomach acid include proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers. Medications that protect the gastric mucosa include sucralfate, bismuth preparations, etc. Additionally, there is targeted eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori, which clinically includes triple and quadruple therapies. Triple therapy refers to a proton pump inhibitor or a bismuth agent combined with two antibiotics. Quadruple therapy consists of a proton pump inhibitor added to a bismuth agent and two antibiotics, which could include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, furazolidone, metronidazole, tetracycline, etc. Treatment generally lasts seven to ten days, and the overall treatment for gastric ulcers is typically around one month. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific situation.)

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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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
57sec home-news-image

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 Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 16sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcers are generally treated with internal medicine medications in clinical settings, primarily through oral medications. Patients may select from antacid and stomach-protecting drugs for a course of 6-8 weeks, after which most ulcers can be healed. It is advised that patients eat clean, easily digestible foods, and avoid intake of spicy, stimulative, and pickled foods, as well as foods like raw fish and strong coffee. If the patient has a habit of drinking alcohol, it is advised to abstain from alcohol for these two months. It is also important to focus on resting and maintaining adequate sleep. Gastric ulcers are relatively common in clinical settings and generally improve with active treatment. Patients typically seek treatment for abdominal pain or complications, with the pain usually manifesting as upper abdominal pain. The most common complication is gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting as vomiting blood or bloody stools. Therefore, it is recommended that patients experiencing such discomfort should actively seek a comprehensive gastroscopy examination.