Can Gastric Ulcers Be Cured?

Gastric ulcers can indeed be treated effectively with the right medical approach. The treatment of gastric ulcers typically involves two main strategies: addressing the underlying cause and promoting ulcer healing.

Eliminating the root causes is essential for long-term recovery. One of the most common causes of gastric ulcers is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). When a patient is diagnosed with an H. pylori-positive gastric ulcer, it is crucial to completely eradicate the bacteria. The current standard treatment for H. pylori is a quadruple therapy regimen, which includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth, and two different antibiotics. This combination has proven to be highly effective in eliminating the infection.

Another significant cause of gastric ulcers is the use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or other pain relievers. These medications can damage the stomach lining and lead to ulcer formation. If possible, patients should avoid these drugs. However, if they must be used, it's recommended to combine them with mucosal protective agents to reduce the risk of developing ulcers.

Medications that reduce stomach acid play a key role in ulcer healing. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, rabeprazole, and esomeprazole are commonly prescribed to lower gastric acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal properly. In some cases, doctors may also recommend additional gastroprotective agents like teprenone or gefarnate to strengthen the stomach lining. A typical treatment course lasts between 6 to 8 weeks.

For ulcers caused by excessive acid secretion, seasonal changes often trigger flare-ups. In such cases, short-term preventive treatment with acid-suppressing medications for about two weeks may be beneficial.

Patients should also be cautious about the possibility of malignant ulcers. During endoscopy, what appears to be a gastric ulcer could, in rare cases, be an ulcerative type of stomach cancer. Therefore, it's important to perform a biopsy and follow up with repeat endoscopies if necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are vital for successful treatment outcomes.