What is peptic ulcer disease?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

Updated on May 02, 2025

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Peptic ulcer is a common upper gastrointestinal disease, typically caused by the digestive action of stomach acid and pepsin, leading to damage in the mucosal layer of the stomach. Hence, it is called a peptic ulcer, encompassing gastric ulcers as well as duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and so forth. The majority of causal factors are due to infection with Helicobacter pylori. Other factors include stimulants such as tobacco and alcohol, poor dietary habits, and medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids. In addition, psychological factors can also lead to the development of peptic ulcers.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 22sec

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Can a peptic ulcer heal itself?

Peptic ulcers, commonly referred to as stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, are relatively common in clinical settings and generally have a good prognosis. For simple peptic ulcers, patients usually do not exhibit common symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting blood, bloody stools, abdominal distension, vomiting, etc., and these can often heal on their own. However, if a patient experiences typical upper abdominal symptoms like vomiting blood, bloody stools, or significant abdominal pain, especially pain in the lower back, it is advisable for the patient to seek timely treatment at a local hospital for further clarification. In treating this condition, a few points should be noted: First, pay attention to diet and rest, it’s advisable to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid spicy foods and abstain from smoking and alcohol. Second, if peptic ulcers are suspected, one might consider using supplementary oral medications, such as antacids or gastroprotective drugs etc., which generally lead to a good prognosis. Of course, if the patient does not exhibit any special symptoms, regular observation may suffice.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

57sec

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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

49sec

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Can gastric lavage be performed for peptic ulcer?

Peptic ulcer is one of the common upper gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric ulcer, duodenal bulb ulcer, compound ulcer, etc. In this case, since the ulcer site is often deep, sometimes reaching the base layer, even the serous layer of the gastric mucosa. If gastric lavage is performed too vigorously, gastric perforation may occur. Therefore, generally, gastric lavage is not advocated, but in a few cases, such as organophosphate pesticide poisoning or other drug poisonings, etc. If gastric lavage is not performed promptly, it often leads to serious complications, even life-threatening. Therefore, gastric lavage is still needed in a few cases, and in these situations, the procedure must be gentle and not too prolonged.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

40sec

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Characteristics of pain in peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, and gastro-duodenal composite ulcers. The common characteristic of peptic ulcers is upper abdominal pain, which tends to be recurrent, periodic, and regular. For duodenal bulb ulcers, the pain is primarily located above and to the right of the navel, mainly manifesting as hunger pain in the upper abdomen, which can be alleviated after eating, accompanied by nocturnal pain. Sometimes, bulb ulcers can cause back pain. Gastric ulcers are mainly located above and to the left of the navel, primarily characterized by postprandial pain.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

53sec

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Causes of Peptic Ulcers

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.