Can the stomach and duodenum also develop ulcers?

When it comes to "ulcers", most people's first reaction is "oral ulcers". In fact, similar to oral ulcers, our stomach and duodenum can also have ulcers. Gastroduodenal ulcers refer to localized round or oval full-thickness mucosal defects occurring in the stomach and duodenum, also known as "peptic ulcers". Ulcers can recur and heal repeatedly, resulting in thickening of the edges and formation of scars, and the walls are generally hard.

1. What causes gastric and duodenal ulcers?

Its onset is related to multiple factors, including excessive gastric acid secretion, Helicobacter pylori infection and weakened mucosal defense mechanism. In addition, factors such as genetics, smoking, psychological stress and caffeine are also related to the occurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

2. How should gastric and duodenal ulcers be treated?

Gastroduodenal ulcers are generally treated with internal medicine, using drugs to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, inhibit gastric acid secretion, and protect the gastric mucosa; in daily life, we must develop regular eating and rest habits, combine work and rest, and avoid high mental stress. If serious complications occur, such as acute gastroduodenal ulcer perforation, gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding, gastroduodenal ulcer scar pyloric obstruction, etc., surgical treatment is required.

3. What should we pay attention to during the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers?

First of all, we must pay attention to the adverse reactions caused by antacids. When antacids are used for a long time and in large quantities, the adverse reactions are greater. Antacids containing calcium and aluminum can cause constipation; magnesium preparations can cause diarrhea; antacids containing sodium can cause water and sodium retention and lead to edema, aggravate high blood pressure or promote and aggravate heart failure; some antacids such as aluminum hydroxide can hinder the absorption of drugs such as digitalis, tetracycline, isoniazid, and iron preparations. Antacids can also cause other adverse reactions, such as "rebound" hyperacidity, phosphorus deficiency, and even kidney damage. Secondly, we should pay attention to our daily diet:

(1) Eat regularly and at regular times to maintain the normal rhythm of digestive activity.

(2) Chew slowly and avoid eating in a hurry.

(3) Do not eat too much to prevent excessive expansion of the gastric antrum and increase in gastrin secretion.

(4) Avoid snacking between meals and do not eat before going to bed.

(5) Attention should be paid to nutrition, but there is no need to prescribe a special diet.

(6) During the acute active phase (that is, the period when symptoms are obvious), it is advisable to eat small meals frequently, 4-5 times a day. However, once the symptoms are under control, it is encouraged to quickly return to the normal three meals a day.

(7) During the acute active phase, you should also pay attention to quitting smoking and drinking, and avoid irritating condiments or spicy drinks such as coffee, strong tea, strong broth, chili peppers and vinegar, as well as drugs that damage the gastric mucosa.

4. Will gastric and duodenal ulcers recur after healing?

Peptic ulcer is a chronic disease. Although there are powerful anti-peptic ulcer drugs that can quickly eliminate ulcer symptoms and reduce ulcer complications, clinical symptoms will reappear when patients stop using anti-peptic ulcer drugs. Relevant data show that the annual recurrence rate of duodenal ulcer after healing is as high as 50%-80%. The recurrence of gastric ulcer is roughly similar to that of duodenal ulcer. About half to two-thirds of gastric ulcer patients will relapse within 2 years after healing. Therefore, patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers should not take it lightly!