Case Study: Recovery from Gastric Ulcer with Amoxicillin and Other Medications

Summary: A 33-year-old male patient sought medical attention after experiencing intermittent upper abdominal pain for two weeks, which had worsened in the past week. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite, he visited our hospital for treatment. After undergoing diagnostic tests, including a carbon-13 breath test, he was diagnosed with gastric ulcer. He received a combination of oral medications, including amoxicillin capsules, ilaprazole enteric-coated tablets, clarithromycin capsules, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules. Following one week of hospitalization and treatment, his symptoms significantly improved, and he was discharged in stable condition.

Initial Consultation:

The patient, a 33-year-old man, reported experiencing intermittent epigastric pain that intensified after meals. Initially, the discomfort was mild and not accompanied by other symptoms, so he did not seek immediate care. However, a week before visiting our clinic, his symptoms became more severe, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, prompting him to seek medical help.

Upon review of his medical history, there was no record of drug allergies or infectious diseases. Physical examination revealed a soft abdomen without visible peristaltic waves or tenderness. Mild epigastric tenderness was noted, but no rebound tenderness or muscle rigidity was present. A carbon-13 urea breath test returned positive, indicating Helicobacter pylori infection. Based on these findings, a preliminary diagnosis of gastric ulcer was made, and the patient was admitted for further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment Plan and Progress:

During his hospital stay, routine blood tests, liver function tests, and kidney function assessments showed no abnormalities. Gastroscopy confirmed a 2cm x 1.5cm ulcer at the gastric angle with white exudate and surrounding mucosal inflammation. No other abnormalities were found in the stomach lining.

After discussing the diagnosis and treatment plan with the patient and his family, they agreed to proceed with pharmacological therapy. The patient was prescribed amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, effectively eliminating Helicobacter pylori when combined with clarithromycin. Colloidal bismuth pectin was used to protect the gastric mucosa, while ilaprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, was administered to reduce gastric acid secretion.

Positive Outcome:

Following seven days of targeted treatment, the patient's condition improved markedly. His appetite returned, and all previous symptoms—including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting—disappeared. He maintained normal sleep patterns, bowel movements, and urination. On the seventh day of hospitalization, he was deemed fit for discharge, and both the patient and his family expressed satisfaction with the results.

Post-Treatment Recommendations:

While pleased with the successful recovery, I advised the patient to maintain healthy habits post-discharge:

Follow a bland, easily digestible diet. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew food thoroughly. Avoid spicy, oily, or heavily seasoned foods.

Ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive stress or late-night activities.

Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms reoccur.

Engage in moderate physical activity such as jogging or swimming to strengthen immunity.

Final Thoughts:

Gastric ulcers are a common form of peptic ulcer disease, often seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals, though incidence among younger adults is rising due to lifestyle and stress factors. While treatable, complications such as bleeding, perforation, pyloric obstruction, and even malignancy can occur if left unaddressed. Early diagnosis and appropriate medication, as demonstrated in this case, are crucial for effective management and full recovery.