How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 09, 2024
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Gastric ulcers are a very common disease in gastroenterology. For minor ulcers, adjustments in diet, quitting smoking and drinking, consuming more green vegetables, getting more rest, and reducing mental stress can gradually lead to recovery. More severe ulcers require active medication use. To achieve ulcer healing, the course of acid-reducing medication usually lasts four to six weeks. Commonly used medications include those that inhibit gastric acid secretion, such as HR receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, as well as some bismuth agents and weakly alkaline antacids to protect the stomach lining. Meanwhile, dietary management should be strengthened. Through effective medical treatment, the healing rate of gastric ulcers can reach over 95%. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What causes bleeding from gastric ulcers?

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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Treatment of gastric ulcer with bleeding

For the treatment of gastric ulcers with bleeding, it is primarily necessary to determine the treatment plan based on the amount of bleeding. If the bleeding is minor, it can be treated with oral medication, and whether there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori must be considered. If there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori, the typical treatment is a quadruple therapy, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is sufficient, commonly using proton pump inhibitors. If the bleeding is severe, timely hospitalization is needed. The treatment usually involves the intravenous use of proton pump inhibitors primarily, and if the medication is ineffective, endoscopic treatment might be necessary. This could include the application of hemostatic medications, electrocoagulation, or the use of titanium clips, etc. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to treat bleeding from gastric ulcers?

If it is a mild gastric ulcer bleeding, it may only manifest as black stool without any obvious specific discomfort symptoms and stable vital signs. This condition can be managed by controlling the diet and appropriately taking or intravenously using proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc., which often can be curative. If the bleeding is considerable, presenting symptoms like vomiting coffee-colored or dark red liquid, fainting, profuse sweating, blood pressure drop, etc., this condition requires timely hospital treatment. Medication primarily includes proton pump inhibitors combined with hemostatic drugs, nutritional support, prevention of complications, etc. If the medical treatment is ineffective, endoscopic hemostasis might be needed, and further more, surgical intervention may be considered.

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Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
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How long should you fast if you have a bleeding gastric ulcer?

Primarily, it depends on whether the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding has ceased, the patient shows no signs of vomiting blood, and their gastrointestinal symptoms in the abdomen are slightly improving, generally, they can gradually start eating after about two days. If the patient still experiences vomiting of blood, or has black stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, heartburn, or if a gastroscopy confirms that the bleeding vessels from the gastric ulcer are relatively large, the duration of fasting might be comparatively longer. Therefore, the duration of fasting for a gastric ulcer bleed mainly depends on whether there is active bleeding in the patient.