How long do gastric ulcers take to heal?

Gastric ulcers usually heal in 4â€“8 weeks with proper medication and treatment adherence.

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3.5 Minute

30-07-2024 Team Medicover Gastroenterology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Telli Venkata Pradeep Kumar

Gastric Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Diet Guide

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, are painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. These ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer disease and can significantly affect daily comfort and digestion if left untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer?

Early detection is crucial. Here are the common gastric ulcer symptoms to watch for:

Burning stomach pain, especially between meals or at night
Bloating or feeling full easily
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Indigestion or heartburn
Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools (in severe cases)

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What Causes Gastric Ulcers?

There are several well-known gastric ulcer causes, including:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Stress and spicy food (may worsen symptoms, though not direct causes)

How Are Gastric Ulcers Classified?

Gastric ulcer classification typically falls under these categories:

Acute vs. Chronic Ulcers: Acute ulcers develop suddenly; chronic ones are long-lasting.
Type I: Located on the lesser curvature of the stomach
Type II: Includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers
Type III: Prepyloric ulcers
Type IV: High on the lesser curvature near the gastroesophageal junction

What Is the Best Medicine for Gastric Ulcers?

Looking for the best medicine for a gastric ulcer?

Doctors usually recommend:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid production
H2-receptor antagonists: Less commonly used but still effective
Antacids: Provide quick symptom relief
Antibiotics: If H. pylori is present

Your doctor may combine therapies depending on the gastric ulcer classification and severity.

Can Gastric Ulcers Be Cured?

Yes, there is a cure for gastric ulcers in most cases, especially when diagnosed early.

For H. pylori ulcers: A combination of antibiotics and acid reducers can completely cure the ulcer.
For NSAID-related ulcers: Stopping the medication and using PPIs typically promotes healing.

Early treatment greatly reduces the risk of serious complications of gastric ulcer.

What Are the Complications of Gastric Ulcers?

Untreated ulcers can lead to life-threatening complications of gastric ulcer, including:

Bleeding: Can result in anemia or require emergency care
Perforation: A hole in the stomach lining, causing severe infection
Gastric outlet obstruction: Blockage from swelling or scarring
Increased risk of stomach cancer in chronic cases

Donâ€™t ignore the symptoms; early gastric ulcer treatment prevents complications.

What Is the Best Food for Gastric Ulcer?

Choosing the right food for gastric ulcer can soothe symptoms and promote healing:

Recommended foods:

High-fiber fruits and vegetables (bananas, apples, leafy greens)
Whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice)
Probiotics (yogurt, kefir)
Lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu)

Foods to avoid:

Spicy and fried foods
Caffeine and carbonated drinks
Alcohol
Chocolate

Diet alone canâ€™t be a cure for gastric ulcer, but it plays a vital role in management.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience recurring stomach pain or any of the gastric ulcer symptoms mentioned, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Timely care can offer relief and prevent serious issues.