What department should I go to for gastric ulcers?

Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Gastric ulcer is a gastrointestinal disease. Therefore, it requires consultation in the department of gastroenterology or gastroenterology clinic. Gastric ulcer is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori, inappropriate medication use, irregular diet, or certain psychological factors, and can arise in emergency situations. It presents with periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain, more often occurring in the autumn and winter seasons, and can be diagnosed through gastroscopy. For treatment, methods mainly include triple therapy or quadruple therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori and facilitate gastric recovery.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Is a gastric ulcer in the pyloric region serious?

Whether gastric ulcers and duodenal bulb ulcers are severe depends on the size of the ulcers and whether there are complications. If there are complications such as perforation and bleeding, it can be very serious. Severe cases may require surgical intervention and could potentially endanger the patient's life. Patients with gastric and duodenal bulb ulcers are likely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, though it cannot be ruled out that some may be caused by ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids. Treatment varies depending on the cause. For instance, if it is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, standardized eradication of Helicobacter pylori is necessary, along with comprehensive treatment to suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
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What should I do if I have a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcers are generally treated with internal medicine medications in clinical settings, primarily through oral medications. Patients may select from antacid and stomach-protecting drugs for a course of 6-8 weeks, after which most ulcers can be healed. It is advised that patients eat clean, easily digestible foods, and avoid intake of spicy, stimulative, and pickled foods, as well as foods like raw fish and strong coffee. If the patient has a habit of drinking alcohol, it is advised to abstain from alcohol for these two months. It is also important to focus on resting and maintaining adequate sleep. Gastric ulcers are relatively common in clinical settings and generally improve with active treatment. Patients typically seek treatment for abdominal pain or complications, with the pain usually manifesting as upper abdominal pain. The most common complication is gastrointestinal bleeding, presenting as vomiting blood or bloody stools. Therefore, it is recommended that patients experiencing such discomfort should actively seek a comprehensive gastroscopy examination.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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What causes stomach ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are primarily caused by several major factors: Helicobacter pylori infection; medications that harm the stomach and damage the gastric mucosa, such as corticosteroids, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, macrolide antibiotics, etc.; long-term irregular eating habits and the consumption of spicy, raw, or irritating foods; long-term mental stress, being in a prolonged state of stress, which can easily lead to gastric ulcers; and excessive stomach acid and pepsin, as well as other physical and biological factors.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of gastric ulcer bleeding?

Gastric ulcer bleeding is a relatively common complication that is directly related to the amount of bleeding. Minor bleeding can result in positive fecal occult blood and black stools without other systemic symptoms. More severe cases can cause major bleeding, manifesting as vomiting blood or dark red blood in the stool, accompanied by symptoms of anemia. For minor bleeding, proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic hemostasis can be used. If the bleeding is more severe, interventional or surgical treatment options may be considered. It is important to maintain a regular diet, relax, and reduce mental stress for the patient. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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How to treat gastric ulcers?

The treatment of gastric ulcers mainly consists of general management and pharmacotherapy. General management involves patients avoiding spicy, stimulating, and cold foods, eating regular meals, and avoiding medications that may harm the stomach, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pharmacotherapy mainly includes gastroprotective therapy and treatment against Helicobacter pylori. Gastroprotective therapy includes neutralizing stomach acid with agents such as magnesium carbonate chewing tablets, acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists, pantoprazole, cimetidine, etc. Medications to protect the gastric mucosa, such as sucralfate, bismuth preparations, etc., are also used. Treatment against Helicobacter pylori mainly includes triple and quadruple therapy. Triple therapy involves a proton pump inhibitor or a bismuth agent combined with two types of antibiotics, and quadruple therapy consists of a proton pump inhibitor, a bismuth agent, and two types of antibiotics. Antibiotics commonly used include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, levofloxacin, metronidazole, tetracycline, etc. Treatment generally lasts seven to ten days, with overall therapy for gastric ulcers spanning about a month. (Please undertake any medication under the guidance of a doctor.)