What causes bleeding from gastric ulcers?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Gastric ulcers can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, and if the ulcer further affects the blood vessels, it can lead to rupture of the vessels and cause bleeding. Therefore, gastric ulcers should be treated actively. If the amount of bleeding is substantial, it is advisable to opt for endoscopic hemostasis or use hemostatic medications, while also treating the ulcer fundamentally. If the ulcer is large, a major part of the stomach may be removed surgically. Post-operative care is crucial, including maintaining a balanced diet; the diet should consist mainly of soft, easily digestible foods, with an emphasis on consuming more vegetables and fruits, and avoiding spicy and cold foods.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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Complications of gastric ulcers

The main complications of gastric ulcers are fourfold: one is upper gastrointestinal bleeding; the second is perforation; the third is pyloric obstruction; the fourth is malignant transformation. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication of gastric ulcers. If a patient has experienced bleeding, there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Perforations mainly occur in elderly individuals. Pyloric obstruction is primarily caused by ulcers in the pyloric canal and pre-pyloric area. It is divided into mechanical obstruction and functional obstruction. Mechanical obstruction results from scarring after the ulcer heals, which narrows the pyloric opening. Functional obstruction is due to congestion and edema of the mucosa after the ulcer, causing relative narrowing of the pylorus. As for malignant transformation, it is still controversial, but it is generally believed to be around 1%-7%.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should not be eaten with gastric ulcers?

Patients with gastric ulcers should be cautious about their diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, eating fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, barbecued, raw, cold, and sweet foods, as well as drinking milk and soy milk, or eating glutinous rice and sweet potatoes. This is because some of these foods can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, worsening the irritation of gastric mucosa and exacerbating gastric ulcers. Some are difficult to digest, thus, they are not recommended. It is advisable to eat porridge, drink soups, eat noodles, such as millet porridge, yam porridge, barley porridge, chicken soup, and pork rib soup. When eating meats, ensure they are well-stewed before consumption.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can you smoke with a stomach ulcer?

Patients with gastric ulcers should not smoke, as the tar and nicotine in tobacco can damage the gastric mucosa and worsen ulcer symptoms. Patients should pay attention to proper rest, reduce mental stress, avoid excessive tension and irritability, develop regular living habits, eat meals at fixed times and in fixed amounts, eat more vegetables and fruits, eat less spicy and greasy food, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It's also important to consume less strong tea and coffee. Actively use medications for treatment, commonly including drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion and drugs that protect the gastric mucosa. If there is Helicobacter pylori infection, it is necessary to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)