How to Treat Gastric Ulcers
Disease description:
I was previously diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, and recently I have been experiencing a dull pain in my stomach, especially after meals, along with occasional acid reflux. What is the appropriate treatment? What medications should I take?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The treatment of gastric ulcers mainly involves three aspects: medication, lifestyle adjustments, and, when necessary, surgical intervention.
Medication primarily includes acid inhibitors (such as proton pump inhibitors, PPIs) and gastric mucosal protective agents. Acid inhibitors reduce gastric acid secretion and promote ulcer healing, while gastric mucosal protective agents enhance the protective capacity of the gastric mucosa and aid in ulcer recovery. If the ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotics must also be used in combination to eradicate the infection.
Avoid consuming spicy, greasy, excessively hot, or cold foods to reduce the burden on the digestive system. Eating regularly and avoiding overeating contribute to the recovery from gastric ulcers. For mild gastric ulcers, non-pharmacological treatments such as dietary therapy, abdominal heat application, and massage of the Zusanli acupoint may be employed. When appropriate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as Coptis (Huang Lian) and Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu) can be used to help neutralize gastric acid and protect the gastric mucosa.
Patients with gastric ulcers that do not respond to medication, frequently recur, or develop complications (such as bleeding or perforation) may require surgical treatment. Surgical options include ulcer excision or vagotomy, with the specific approach determined according to the patient's individual condition.
