Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Peptic ulcers, which include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and anastomotic ulcers following gastric surgery, are among the common gastrointestinal diseases. It is currently believed that the infection of Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with gastritis, ulcer activity, gastric cancer, etc., thus, Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the main cause of gastric ulcers. Other factors, such as excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, can also lead to peptic ulcers. Poor dietary and living habits, such as binge eating, excessive consumption of cold, greasy, spicy, or alcoholic foods, can cause this condition as well; moreover, excessive emotional stress, such as long-term mental pressure, can also lead to the development of peptic ulcers.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can peptic ulcers be cured?

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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Etiology of Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and so on. It is currently believed that about 80% of peptic ulcers are related to infection with Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, poor dietary and living habits are closely linked to the formation of peptic ulcers, such as excessive smoking and drinking, overeating cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as strong tea, coffee, etc. Moreover, many medications can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric ulcers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, emotional excitement and major trauma and other stress responses can also lead to acute gastric mucosal lesions, resulting in peptic ulcers.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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The main symptoms of peptic ulcers

Common types of peptic ulcers, including gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and anastomotic ulcers after gastric resection, share common characteristics and have their own distinct symptoms. Abdominal pain is a usual symptom. The pain from duodenal bulb ulcers tends to be dull, bloating, or blunt, and it is generally more noticeable when hungry. The pain often eases after eating as food neutralizes stomach acid. Sometimes, there is pain at night. If the ulcer is beyond the bulb or is a penetrating ulcer, it often comes with back pain; gastric ulcers primarily manifest as postprandial pain, meaning pain occurring half an hour to an hour after eating, which gradually alleviates; complex ulcers often present with both types of symptoms mentioned above. As peptic ulcers are often associated with excessive stomach acid, symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea are common.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Why does a peptic ulcer bleed?

Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, and so on. Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the common complications of peptic ulcers, usually caused by the ulcer being relatively large or deep, invading the blood vessels, leading to vessel rupture and resulting in bleeding. For minor bleeding, the patient may not have any discomfort symptoms, primarily indicated by black stools or a positive fecal occult blood test. If there is substantial bleeding, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting blood. Such cases need attention and usually require hospitalization for observation and treatment. Sometimes, recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding may require surgical treatment.

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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.