What is active gastric ulcer?
Active gastric ulcer is a common digestive system disease, which mainly manifests as local damage and inflammatory reaction of gastric mucosa. It is usually caused by the autodigestion of gastric acid and pepsin, and may be related to Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, alcohol abuse and other factors. The following is a detailed analysis of active gastric ulcers.
1. Definition of active gastric ulcer

Active gastric ulcers refer to lesions that are ulcerating on the gastric mucosa, usually accompanied by obvious inflammatory reactions and symptoms. Unlike ulcers in the healing or scarring stage, active gastric ulcers are in the active stage of the disease and require prompt treatment to avoid complications.
2. Causes of active gastric ulcer
The causes of active gastric ulcers are complex and are mainly related to the following factors:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Helicobacter pylori infection | About 70% of patients with gastric ulcers are infected with Helicobacter pylori, which destroys the gastric mucosal barrier. |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Long-term use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other drugs will inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and weaken the protective effect of the gastric mucosa. |
| smoking | Smoking increases gastric acid secretion, reduces mucosal blood flow, and delays ulcer healing. |
| alcoholism | Alcohol can directly damage the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of ulcers. |
| mental stress | Long-term mental stress may affect gastric acid secretion and mucosal repair through neuroendocrine pathways. |
3. Symptoms of active gastric ulcer
Typical symptoms of active stomach ulcers include:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper abdominal pain | Mostly it is dull pain or burning pain, which gets worse 1-2 hours after a meal or at night. |
| acid reflux | Stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. |
| Nausea and vomiting | May be accompanied by vomiting blood or caffeinated material. |
| Loss of appetite | Reduced eating due to pain. |
| black stool | When the ulcer bleeds, the stool will be black (tarry). |
4. Diagnosis of active gastric ulcer
The diagnosis of active gastric ulcer mainly relies on the following methods:
| Check method | Description |
|---|---|
| Gastroscopy | The size, location and activity of the ulcer can be directly observed and a biopsy can be taken. |
| Helicobacter pylori detection | These include urea breath test, stool antigen test, or gastric mucosal biopsy. |
| X-ray barium meal examination | It is suitable for patients who are unable to undergo gastroscopy and have visible niche shadows. |
| laboratory tests | Routine blood tests and fecal occult blood can help determine whether there is bleeding or infection. |
5. Treatment of active gastric ulcer
The goals of treatment for active gastric ulcers are to relieve symptoms, promote healing, and prevent recurrence. The main treatment measures include:
| Treatment measures | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| drug treatment | Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), H2 receptor antagonists, mucosal protective agents, etc. |
| Eradication of Helicobacter pylori | Use triple or quadruple therapy, including antibiotics and PPIs. |
| lifestyle adjustments | Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, avoid spicy foods, and eat regularly. |
| surgical treatment | Only suitable for complications such as massive bleeding, perforation or obstruction. |
6. Prevention of active gastric ulcer
The key to preventing active gastric ulcers is to reduce risk factors:
| Precautions | specific suggestions |
|---|---|
| Avoid misuse of NSAIDs | If necessary, use PPI or mucosal protective agent in combination. |
| Eradication of Helicobacter pylori | Infected people should receive standardized treatment. |
| healthy eating | Eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy and greasy foods. |
| manage stress | Relieve mental stress through exercise, meditation and other methods. |
7. Summary
Active gastric ulcer is a disease that requires timely intervention. Its causes are complex and its symptoms are diverse. With standard diagnosis and treatment, most patients can fully recover. Paying attention to preventive measures in daily life can effectively reduce the risk of recurrence. If suspected symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible to avoid delaying the condition.
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