Can stomach ulcers bleed?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 17, 2025
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Gastric ulcers can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, as gastrointestinal bleeding is a common complication of gastric ulcers. Clinically, gastric ulcers may present as gastrointestinal bleeding or simply as rhythmic pain, typically manifested as upper abdominal pain related to eating. Bleeding caused by gastric ulcers may present as vomiting blood in some patients. Of course, if the bleeding is minor and there is no vomiting blood, there might only be blood in the stool. The diagnosis of gastric ulcers primarily relies on gastroscopy; therefore, for patients suspected of having gastric ulcers, we generally recommend an early gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and assess the condition. The treatment of gastric ulcers mainly depends on medication, with options including acid-reducing and stomach-protecting drugs. The treatment duration is about 6 weeks, and most patients can be well controlled. Of course, attention should be paid to diet, rest, and regular follow-up appointments in the future. (The use of drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer

Gastric ulcers and duodenal bulb ulcers both belong to upper gastrointestinal ulcers. Their symptoms slightly differ; gastric ulcers typically manifest as postprandial pain in the upper abdomen, whereas duodenal bulb ulcers present as hunger pains in the upper abdomen, sometimes accompanied by nocturnal pain. Both types generally exhibit symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. The predominant cause for these is infection by Helicobacter pylori, detectable through tests such as the carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath test. If an infection is present, antimicrobial treatment can typically lead to a complete recovery of the ulcers. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, the initial approach should still focus on symptomatic treatment. Additionally, adopting good dietary and living habits can facilitate regular gastroscopic follow-ups.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does gastric ulcer cause vomiting?

Gastric ulcers are a common disease in gastroenterology, especially prevalent among outpatient clients. The symptoms of gastric ulcers vary widely, and some patients may not show any symptoms, only presenting with a decrease in appetite, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. Common symptoms of gastric ulcers include nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and even a decrease in appetite. The abdominal pain is typically felt in the upper abdomen, can worsen after eating, and may resolve on its own without fever. However, if a gastric ulcer is accompanied by bloody stools, especially black stools or even vomiting blood, it is recommended that the patient seek further treatment at a local hospital. Therefore, for patients with gastric ulcers who experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, it is suggested to provide protective gastric treatment, typically lasting four to eight weeks.

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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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What medicine to take for gastric ulcer?

The stomach ulcers referred to here are generally benign gastric ulcers. The treatment plan should be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, it is first important to develop good dietary and living habits, and then treat the symptoms, such as suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, and increasing gastric motility. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed. Typically, a triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy is used; a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics constitute the triple therapy, and adding a bismuth agent constitutes the quadruple therapy. A course of treatment lasts for two weeks, which generally can eradicate the bacteria for a definitive cure. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a clinical doctor, according to specific conditions.)