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
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The main causes of peptic ulcers

It is generally believed that Helicobacter pylori is closely related to gastric inflammation, ulcer formation, and malignancies. Therefore, the main cause of peptic ulcers should be the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, certain conditions, such as connective tissue diseases and kidney diseases, may require long-term use of steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This can damage the gastric mucosa and increase the secretion of gastric acid, thereby promoting the occurrence of peptic ulcers. Other factors like long-term poor dietary and living habits, such as smoking and consuming alcohol or spicy food, can also damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, thus leading to the development of peptic ulcers.

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Gastroenterology
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Can people with peptic ulcers drink milk?

Milk is very common in our daily lives and contains a wide range of nutrients. For example, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, etc., have a high nutritional value, so currently there are many people who drink milk. As for whether people with peptic ulcers can drink milk, opinions vary. Some say it is possible, while others say it is not; it really depends on the specific situation. If it is the acute phase of a peptic ulcer, often accompanied by excessive stomach acid, it is generally best to avoid drinking milk. This is because drinking milk might stimulate the secretion of stomach acid. If it is the healing phase of a peptic ulcer, drinking small amounts of milk can be helpful. At the same time, try to avoid drinking milk that is too cold.

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Is peptic ulcer serious?

Peptic ulcer is a common disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including gastric ulcer, duodenal bulb ulcer, and gastroduodenal complex ulcer, etc. The primary cause is often infection with Helicobacter pylori. Other factors, such as poor dietary habits, smoking and alcohol stimulants, drug irritants, or emotional factors, can also lead to peptic ulcers. As for the severity of peptic ulcers, it should be judged based on the patient's age, medical history, medication history, and the results of gastroscopy, among other factors. Generally, peptic ulcers are not serious and can be cured with medication. However, a minority of recurrent cases might have a tendency to become cancerous. These cases can be effectively treated with a combination of medical and surgical treatments, and are generally not severe.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Clinical characteristics of peptic ulcer

The main cause of peptic ulcers is believed to be infection by Helicobacter pylori. Other factors such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet, living habits, medication use, or emotional issues can also play a role. Clinically, these ulcers are often characterized by upper abdominal pain. In the case of gastric ulcers, the pain is primarily in the upper left abdomen or below the sternum, and can manifest as dull pain, blunt pain, or a feeling of distension. This pain is often more apparent after meals, commonly occurring half an hour to an hour after eating, and usually subsides two to three hours later. Duodenal bulb ulcers are characterized by upper abdominal muscular pain, occurring around two centimeters above and to the right of the navel, sometimes accompanied by nighttime pain. If the ulcer is located behind the bulb, back pain can also occur. Peptic ulcers can lead to other complications, such as perforation, bleeding, or even cancer.

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Can people with peptic ulcers exercise?

Peptic ulcers are generally classified into duodenal bulb ulcers and gastric ulcers, along with mixed gastric-duodenal ulcers, etc. Clinically, they can generally be divided into acute active phase, healing phase, scar phase, etc. Generally speaking, patients with active peptic ulcers, in addition to standard medication, need absolute rest and must not overexert themselves. If it is in the remission or healing phase of peptic ulcer, in addition to developing good eating habits, one should also be cautious not to overexert; some light activities are still acceptable. Additionally, regular gastroscopy check-ups are necessary.