Can peptic ulcers be cured?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and more. The primary cause is usually Helicobacter pylori infection, particularly in patients with duodenal bulb ulcers. Generally, eradicating Helicobacter pylori can cure the ulcer. However, a small number of patients, due to underlying diseases or irregular medication use, often develop resistance to Helicobacter pylori. In such cases, peptic ulcers are prone to recurrent flares. Additionally, peptic ulcers caused by other factors, such as smoking and alcohol stimulation, poor dietary habits, medication, emotional issues, etc., can generally be cured by removing the triggers. However, it's essential to develop good dietary and living habits and strictly follow medical advice regarding medications.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

52sec

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Can peptic ulcers be cured completely?

Peptic ulcers, including gastric ulcers and duodenal bulb ulcers, can generally be completely cured in most cases. Treatment plans are usually determined based on the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, quadruple therapy is typically used to eradicate the bacteria. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is sufficient. Some patients may experience recurrent peptic ulcers, which are usually caused by several factors. Firstly, the failure to completely eradicate Helicobacter pylori can lead to recurrent ulcers. Additionally, the recurrence of ulcers might also be facilitated by poor dietary and lifestyle habits after the ulcers have healed, such as long-term alcohol abuse, smoking, or consumption of spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

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Can people with peptic ulcers eat meat?

Peptic ulcers generally require conventional medication treatment first. If accompanied by bleeding or severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary. It is important to pay attention to dietary and living habits in such cases. Initially, one should consume light and easily digestible foods, such as soft and mushy rice, porridge, and the like. Fresh vegetables and fruits are also suitable, but they should not be too cold or raw. At the same time, remember not to overeat or drink excessively; it is best to eat regular, measured meals or small frequent meals. As for meat, if it is during the acute phase of the ulcer or if there is bleeding, try to avoid meat consumption; if it is during the recovery phase of the ulcer, meat can be consumed in small amounts but should not be too spicy. (Specific medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

51sec

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What can people with peptic ulcers eat?

Peptic ulcers include duodenal bulb ulcers, gastric ulcers, complex ulcers, etc. In such cases, formal treatment should be administered first. Depending on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, different treatment plans should be adopted. At the same time, it is important to develop good dietary and living habits, quit smoking and drinking, and ensure that the diet is light and easy to digest. While ensuring adequate nutrition, efforts should be made to minimize gastric irritation. Foods like soft and mushy rice, porridge, and soft noodles are preferable. Fresh vegetables and fruits are fine. Try to avoid overly cold, greasy, spicy, or irritating foods. Be sure to eat regularly and in moderation or have small, frequent meals, and avoid binge eating.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

1min 1sec

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Principles of treatment for peptic ulcers

The principles of treatment for peptic ulcers, if malignant ulcers are present, surgical treatment is preferred. For benign peptic ulcers, it is first necessary to cultivate good dietary and living habits, quit smoking and drinking, avoid excessive fatigue, and adhere to a light diet with regular and measured meals, strictly avoiding overeating and binge eating. Meanwhile, the medication treatment should be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection; if there is an infection, standard antibacterial treatment is required, commonly involving quadruple therapy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment usually yields satisfactory results. Proton pump inhibitors are the preferred drugs, such as rabeprazole and lansoprazole, combined with gastric mucosal protectants, prokinetic agents, etc. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

1min 3sec

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Symptoms of peptic ulcers

Upper abdominal pain is a symptom common to peptic ulcers, including dull, mild, or bloating pain, which is generally tolerable and varies in characteristics. For instance, the pain from a gastric ulcer is usually located in the upper abdomen, predominantly on the upper left side, and sometimes extends to the lower abdomen. It typically occurs about half an hour to an hour after meals and gradually eases after two to three hours. For duodenal bulb ulcers, the pain is generally around two fingers to the right of the belly button. It often presents as hunger-like pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by nighttime pain. If it is a post-bulbar ulcer, it often causes back pain. Complex ulcers may exhibit characteristics of both types. Additionally, ulcers are generally associated with excessive stomach acid, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, and abdominal bloating. If there is bleeding, it is often accompanied by black stools or even vomiting blood.