How does peptic ulcer develop?

Peptic ulcer is a common digestive system disease, and its formation is related to multiple factors. We hope that by introducing the formation mechanism, influencing factors and preventive measures of peptic ulcer in detail, we can help readers better understand and prevent peptic ulcer.

1. The formation mechanism of peptic gastric ulcer

Peptic gastric ulcer is mainly caused by the corrosion and digestion of gastric acid and pepsin on the gastric mucosa, which leads to damage of the gastric mucosa and the formation of ulcers. Under normal circumstances, gastric acid and pepsin play a digestive role in the stomach and do not cause damage to the gastric mucosa. However, when gastric acid and pepsin are secreted excessively or the protective mechanism of the gastric mucosa is damaged, it will cause damage to the gastric mucosa and form peptic gastric ulcer.

2. Factors affecting peptic ulcer

Excessive secretion of gastric acid and pepsin: Gastric acid and pepsin are the main components of digesting food, and their secretion is limited under normal circumstances. However, when gastric acid and pepsin are secreted excessively, they will damage the gastric mucosa and form peptic ulcers.

Helicobacter pylori infection: Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium that can grow and multiply in the stomach and damage the gastric mucosa. Long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori can cause damage to the gastric mucosa and lead to the formation of peptic ulcers.

Drug factors: Some drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormone drugs can stimulate gastric acid secretion or cause damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to the formation of peptic gastric ulcers.

Dietary factors: Improper diet is also one of the important factors in the formation of peptic gastric ulcers. Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, irritating foods, or overeating can damage the gastric mucosa and form peptic gastric ulcers.

Mental factors: Emotional factors such as excessive mental stress, anxiety, depression, etc. can also lead to the formation of peptic gastric ulcers. These emotional factors can affect gastric acid secretion and the protective mechanism of gastric mucosa, thus leading to the formation of peptic gastric ulcers.

3. Preventive measures for peptic ulcer

Reasonable diet: Reasonable diet is the key to preventing peptic gastric ulcer. You should avoid eating spicy, greasy, irritating foods, as well as overeating. It is recommended to eat more light and easily digestible foods, such as porridge, noodles, vegetables, fruits, etc. At the same time, you should maintain a regular diet and avoid hunger and overeating.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both smoking and drinking can damage the gastric mucosa, so you should quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco can stimulate gastric acid secretion, while alcohol can weaken the protective mechanism of the gastric mucosa and increase the corrosive effect of gastric acid on the gastric mucosa.

Regular work and rest: Regular work and rest helps maintain the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. You should avoid bad work and rest habits such as staying up late and overwork, so as not to affect the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mental health: Mental health is also an important factor in preventing peptic ulcers. You should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude and avoid the effects of emotional factors such as excessive mental stress, anxiety, depression, etc. on the gastrointestinal tract.

Regular check-ups: Regular gastroscopy and other examinations can timely detect and treat diseases such as peptic ulcers. Especially for high-risk groups such as those with a family history of the disease, long-term smoking and drinking, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, relevant examinations should be carried out regularly.

In short, peptic ulcer is a common digestive system disease, and its formation is related to many factors. In order to prevent the occurrence of peptic ulcer, we should pay attention to a reasonable diet, quit smoking and limit alcohol, regular work and rest, mental health, and regular check-ups. Only by fully understanding and paying attention to these aspects can we better prevent and treat diseases such as peptic ulcer.

Ma Mingyu, Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine