Can I drink alcohol after having a duodenal ulcer?

Patients with duodenal ulcers are advised not to consume alcohol. Drinking alcohol may increase gastric acid secretion, thereby irritating the gastric mucosa and worsening ulcer symptoms. Alcohol can also impair the mucosal repair process by reducing submucosal blood flow, increasing the risk of bleeding. In addition, long-term alcohol consumption can damage the gastric mucosal barrier, weaken mucosal defense mechanisms, and increase the potential for injury to the duodenal mucosa from gastric contents, possibly leading to severe complications such as acute duodenal perforation. Therefore, patients with duodenal ulcers should abstain from alcohol to promote ulcer healing and prevent disease progression.