Patient's question:
I am 34 years old. Recently, for some reason, I have been feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit, with a persistent dull pain in my stomach. Sometimes, I also experience heartburn and acid reflux. I went to the hospital, and it was treated for a while, but it started again. Is surgery always necessary for gastric ulcers?Doctor's answer:
A peptic ulcer is generally diagnosed through a careful endoscopic examination to identify the location of the erosion. Additionally, it is important to rule out the possibility of Helicobacter pylori infection, which is a major cause and a risk factor for developing gastric cancer. Treatment typically involves taking omeprazole, along with two antibiotics, and using a gastric mucosal protective agent to suppress the condition. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding stress are also recommended. Staying up late can significantly hinder the healing of a peptic ulcer, and surgery is generally not required.