What are the symptoms of gastric ulcers?

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

Updated on October 20, 2024

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The symptoms of gastric ulcers mainly include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, early satiety, poor appetite, and indigestion. The characteristic of the upper abdominal pain is that it worsens after eating and decreases or disappears when hungry or on an empty stomach, indicating a regular pattern of pain. For patients exhibiting these symptoms, it is advised to undergo a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals ulcers on the gastric mucosa, the diagnosis of gastric ulcers can be confirmed. It is also recommended to conduct a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. It has been confirmed that Helicobacter pylori can cause peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis among other diseases. If the infection test is positive, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is needed.

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Written by Li Xue Qing

Gastroenterology

1min 3sec

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What is a stomach ulcer?

Peptic ulcer is caused by long-term Helicobacter pylori infection and the consumption of stomach-irritating medications such as corticosteroids, aspirin, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as irregular intake of spicy, stimulating, and cold foods, coupled with long-term emergency mental factors, leading to postprandial pain. The main symptoms are periodic rhythmic upper abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Diagnosis can be made by performing a gastroscopy. Treatment mainly involves the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and protective stomach treatments among other symptomatic treatments. Complications may include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, pyloric obstruction, and malignant transformation. Dietary recommendations include avoiding smoking, alcohol, strong tea, coffee, indigestible foods, and some stimulating condiments.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

54sec

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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 Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

42sec

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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 Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 16sec

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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 Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 6sec

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What are the symptoms of gastric ulcers?

The symptoms of gastric ulcers mainly include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, early satiety, poor appetite, and indigestion. The characteristic of the upper abdominal pain is that it worsens after eating and decreases or disappears when hungry or on an empty stomach, indicating a regular pattern of pain. For patients exhibiting these symptoms, it is advised to undergo a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals ulcers on the gastric mucosa, the diagnosis of gastric ulcers can be confirmed. It is also recommended to conduct a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. It has been confirmed that Helicobacter pylori can cause peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis among other diseases. If the infection test is positive, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is needed.