Symptoms of gastric ulcer

Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

The clinical manifestations of stomach ulcers can vary from person to person. Some patients are asymptomatic and present to the clinic due to stomach bleeding or perforation. Generally, there are three main characteristics of peptic ulcers: First, they tend to be a chronic, recurrent condition. Second, they exhibit periodicity. Third, they have rhythmic manifestations. The primary symptom is periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain, often described as burning, dull, or bloating pain. This usually occurs in the upper abdomen, possibly on the left or right side, and typically manifests as post-meal pain. Nighttime pain is uncommon, and there may be localized tenderness. If the ulcer occurs in the pyloric canal, it may lack some of these typical symptoms. Post-meal intense pain is possible, and the effectiveness of medication is generally poor. This condition can easily lead to vomiting or pyloric obstruction and is also prone to perforation and bleeding. A minority of stomach ulcers may potentially become cancerous.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

Causes of gastric ulcer

It is currently believed that Helicobacter pylori infection is closely related to gastritis activity, ulcer formation, and tumors. Therefore, the main cause of gastric ulcers is the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Other factors, such as drugs, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid medications, often lead to gastric mucosal damage and result in peptic ulcers. Psychological factors, such as long-term excessive tension or high stress, often lead to peptic ulcers as well. Poor dietary and living habits, such as excessive drinking, consuming raw, irritating, greasy food, or binge eating, also promote the occurrence of peptic ulcers.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

What should be noted for bleeding from gastric ulcers?

After a gastric ulcer bleeds, the first thing to pay attention to is emotional control. Many people will feel emotionally excited and fearful when they experience bleeding and vomiting, and at this time, family members should soothe them promptly; Secondly, dietary adjustments should be made. Eat more soft, easily digestible foods, such as noodles, soft rice, soy milk, eggs, as well as a lot of green vegetables and fresh fruits. Supplementing with vitamin C can help heal the ulcer. In addition, restrict some raw, spicy, and fried foods. You should eat less food that is too sweet, too hot, too acidic, or too salty, and actively quit smoking and drinking.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
52sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
1min home-news-image

Causes of gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers refer to inflammatory defects in the gastric mucosa, with several common causes as follows: First, infection with Helicobacter pylori is directly related to the development of peptic ulcers. Second, various drugs that damage the gastric mucosa, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid hormones, etc. Third, dietary factors. Long-term alcohol consumption, spicy foods, strong tea, and coffee can all cause gastric ulcers. Fourth, the digestive actions of gastric acid and pepsin damage the gastric mucosa, leading to a decline in the protective barrier function of the mucosa and causing ulcers. Fifth, abnormalities in gastric motility and decreased emptying ability, leading to food retention in the stomach, continuously irritating the gastric mucosa, causing increased gastric acid secretion and resulting in ulcers.