Treatment of bleeding from peptic ulcers

Written by Chen Rong
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding may require different management based on the volume of bleeding.

With significant bleeding, the condition becomes critical and rapidly changing. Priorities include anti-shock measures, rapid replenishment of blood volume, maintaining a supine position, keeping the airway clear to avoid aspiration during vomiting, providing oxygen if necessary, fasting during active bleeding, closely monitoring the patient's vital signs, immediate blood typing and cross-matching, promptly establishing an effective intravenous infusion pathway, and replenishing blood volume. Medications such as PPIs or H2 receptor antagonists can be used; the former should be chosen for severe bleeding and administered intravenously.

About 80% of patients with gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding may stop bleeding without any special treatment, while the remaining patients may experience persistent bleeding or rebleeding. Emergency gastroscopy is crucial to determine if the patient is at high risk of rebleeding or has ongoing bleeding and can include therapeutic endoscopic interventions such as drug injections, electrocoagulation, and the use of hemostatic clips. If endoscopic treatment fails, the gastric and duodenal arteries may be embolized via arterial intervention. If pharmacologic, endoscopic, and interventional treatments cannot control the bleeding, and there is ongoing significant blood loss threatening the patient's life, surgical treatment may be necessary.

(Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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The main symptoms of peptic ulcers

Common types of peptic ulcers, including gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and anastomotic ulcers after gastric resection, share common characteristics and have their own distinct symptoms. Abdominal pain is a usual symptom. The pain from duodenal bulb ulcers tends to be dull, bloating, or blunt, and it is generally more noticeable when hungry. The pain often eases after eating as food neutralizes stomach acid. Sometimes, there is pain at night. If the ulcer is beyond the bulb or is a penetrating ulcer, it often comes with back pain; gastric ulcers primarily manifest as postprandial pain, meaning pain occurring half an hour to an hour after eating, which gradually alleviates; complex ulcers often present with both types of symptoms mentioned above. As peptic ulcers are often associated with excessive stomach acid, symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea are common.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Clinical characteristics of peptic ulcer

The main cause of peptic ulcers is believed to be infection by Helicobacter pylori. Other factors such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet, living habits, medication use, or emotional issues can also play a role. Clinically, these ulcers are often characterized by upper abdominal pain. In the case of gastric ulcers, the pain is primarily in the upper left abdomen or below the sternum, and can manifest as dull pain, blunt pain, or a feeling of distension. This pain is often more apparent after meals, commonly occurring half an hour to an hour after eating, and usually subsides two to three hours later. Duodenal bulb ulcers are characterized by upper abdominal muscular pain, occurring around two centimeters above and to the right of the navel, sometimes accompanied by nighttime pain. If the ulcer is located behind the bulb, back pain can also occur. Peptic ulcers can lead to other complications, such as perforation, bleeding, or even cancer.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers typically include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, and complex ulcers, among others, all of which feature upper abdominal pain. For gastric ulcers, the pain is generally located below the xiphoid process or in the upper left abdomen, primarily occurring after meals and often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal bloating and acid reflux. Duodenal bulb ulcers usually present as hunger-like pain in the upper abdomen, which can be alleviated by eating and may include nighttime pain, often with significant acid reflux and heartburn. These can be definitively diagnosed via gastroscopy. Additionally, many elderly individuals may develop gastric ulcers after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often without significant pain, typically requiring a gastroscopy for accurate diagnosis.

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Gastroenterology
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Peptic ulcer clinical symptoms

Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the primary cause of peptic ulcers, often leading to excess stomach acid, abnormal gastric motility, and other symptoms. Excess stomach acid can cause acid reflux, heartburn, and a burning sensation, while abnormal gastric motility may lead to nausea, belching, and even vomiting and bloating, with stomach acid irritation likely causing upper abdominal pain. Gastric ulcer pain is generally located in the upper left abdomen or below the sternum, typically presenting as postprandial pain. Duodenal bulb ulcers generally cause pain to the upper right of the navel, typically fasting pain that eases upon eating, sometimes accompanied by menstrual-like pain, with pain from ulcers behind the bulb potentially radiating to the back.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
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Can people with peptic ulcers eat meat?

Peptic ulcers generally require conventional medication treatment first. If accompanied by bleeding or severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary. It is important to pay attention to dietary and living habits in such cases. Initially, one should consume light and easily digestible foods, such as soft and mushy rice, porridge, and the like. Fresh vegetables and fruits are also suitable, but they should not be too cold or raw. At the same time, remember not to overeat or drink excessively; it is best to eat regular, measured meals or small frequent meals. As for meat, if it is during the acute phase of the ulcer or if there is bleeding, try to avoid meat consumption; if it is during the recovery phase of the ulcer, meat can be consumed in small amounts but should not be too spicy. (Specific medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician)