Can stomach ulcers cause bleeding?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 08, 2025
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Gastric ulcers with bleeding are relatively common in clinical practice, and bleeding is a common complication of gastric ulcers, so it is considered that gastric ulcers can lead to bleeding. The typical clinical manifestation of a gastric ulcer is abdominal pain. Of course, gastrointestinal bleeding is a common complication, generally presenting as vomiting blood or passing bloody stools, with a considerable amount of bleeding leading to vomiting blood in patients. The diagnosis of gastric ulcers relies on gastroscopy. Therefore, in clinical practice, if patients seek medical advice due to abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastric ulcers are suspected, we recommend that patients promptly complete a gastroscopy to assess the condition. When patients with gastric ulcers experience bleeding, it is advisable for them to fast and intensify treatment with oral stomach-protecting drugs. Of course, if the blood pressure is low and vital signs are unstable, some medications to replenish blood volume might be added, and if necessary, surgical operations to stop the bleeding may be performed.

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Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers

Foods to avoid for gastric ulcers include spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, onions, leeks, ginger, and alcoholic beverages. Seasonings like cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, and fennel should also be avoided. Acidic foods such as lemons, limes, and green apples are not recommended, as well as foods that can cause bloating like soybeans and peanuts. Additionally, cold foods such as ice water and frozen fruits, as well as fried and grilled foods like street food and barbecues, should be avoided. It is also advisable to limit intake of foods high in roughage, such as corn, buckwheat, and celery.

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

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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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.

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What should be noted for gastric ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are closely related to lifestyle, dietary habits, and work stress. First, it is important to rest more and reduce mental stress. Secondly, improve dietary habits by eating regular meals, consuming more vegetables and fruits, and easy-to-digest foods while reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Pay strict attention to quitting smoking and alcohol, drinking less strong tea and coffee, actively use medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa, and persist in taking medication as prescribed by a doctor. Avoid life's irritants, strengthen physical exercise, and engage in more outdoor activities to regulate physical and mental health.

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How to care for gastric ulcer bleeding

Gastric ulcer bleeding is a relatively common complication. First, it is important to soothe the patient's emotions, encourage rest, reduce mental stress, and pay attention to significant bleeding, which can cause vomiting of blood. It is necessary to promptly clean the blood stains in the mouth to prevent aspiration, provide timely symptomatic treatment, and choose to use proton pump inhibitors combined with endoscopic hemostasis. Vascular intervention or surgery may be required when necessary. Dietary management should be strengthened, with regular meals, consumption of soft, easily digestible food, and avoidance of hard, cold foods. It is crucial to strictly abstain from smoking and alcohol, and to consume less strong tea, coffee, etc., while actively treating any complications. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)