Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Peptic ulcers, which include gastric ulcers, duodenal bulb ulcers, complex ulcers, and anastomotic ulcers following gastric surgery, are among the common gastrointestinal diseases. It is currently believed that the infection of Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with gastritis, ulcer activity, gastric cancer, etc., thus, Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the main cause of gastric ulcers. Other factors, such as excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, can also lead to peptic ulcers. Poor dietary and living habits, such as binge eating, excessive consumption of cold, greasy, spicy, or alcoholic foods, can cause this condition as well; moreover, excessive emotional stress, such as long-term mental pressure, can also lead to the development of peptic ulcers.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can people with peptic ulcers exercise?

The primary cause of peptic ulcers is usually Helicobacter pylori infection, though other factors can also trigger the onset of peptic ulcers, such as tobacco and alcohol irritation, poor dietary habits, and emotional issues. Additionally, excessive fatigue is also one of the causes that can trigger or cause a recurrence of peptic ulcers. Therefore, whether or not a person with peptic ulcers can exercise depends on the specific condition of the illness. If it is an acute active phase or a subacute peptic ulcer that has not fully healed, strict rest is necessary in such cases. If a gastroscopy shows that the ulcer has completely healed, moderate and light activities are permissible, but excessive fatigue should still be avoided.

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

It is generally believed that Helicobacter pylori is closely related to gastric inflammation, ulcer formation, and malignancies. Therefore, the main cause of peptic ulcers should be the infection of Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, certain conditions, such as connective tissue diseases and kidney diseases, may require long-term use of steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This can damage the gastric mucosa and increase the secretion of gastric acid, thereby promoting the occurrence of peptic ulcers. Other factors like long-term poor dietary and living habits, such as smoking and consuming alcohol or spicy food, can also damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, thus leading to the development of peptic ulcers.

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Written by Li Xue Qing
Gastroenterology
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Peptic ulcer is what?

Peptic ulcers are a recurrent, periodic, and rhythmic disease characterized by upper abdominal pain. They mainly occur in the stomach and duodenum. The causes include excessive secretion of gastric acid, reduced protective function of the gastric mucosa, and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. In terms of symptoms, there is mainly a tenderness in the upper abdomen. For diagnosis, gastroscope can be used to examine the mucosa for the presence of ulcers.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Principles of treatment for peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, complex ulcers, etc. There can be many complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, and if not healed over a long period, degeneration may occur, leading to the development of gastric cancer. Therefore, peptic ulcers must be treated promptly. As for the principles of treatment, they should be determined based on specific symptoms and whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, the general approach is to use quadruple therapy for antibacterial treatment; if there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief, such as suppressing stomach acid, protecting the mucosa, and increasing gastric motility, etc. At the same time, it is essential to pay attention to regular eating and living habits, eating on a regular schedule or having small, frequent meals. Avoid overeating, as well as stimulating substances like cold, greasy, and spicy foods. Additionally, it is important to keep warm and get plenty of rest.

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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.