Stomach Ulcer Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

What is a stomach ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a break in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer, 위구양) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). It forms when the protective lining is weakened, most commonly by H. pylori bacteria or by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Smoking, heavy alcohol and serious physical stress add to the risk. Treating the cause is as important as healing the ulcer itself, because it prevents recurrence.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain, sometimes eased or worsened by eating
Pain that wakes you at night, typical of duodenal ulcers
Bloating, nausea, or feeling full quickly
Unexplained weight loss or anemia

Ulcers can bleed or perforate. Call 119 for vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black tarry stools, fainting, or sudden severe abdominal pain.

What happens at the clinic

History: the doctor asks about pain pattern, painkillers, aspirin and blood thinners, smoking and alcohol.
Gastroscopy: confirms the ulcer's location and size. Gastric ulcers are biopsied to make sure they are not cancerous; H. pylori is tested.
Medicine: acid suppression for several weeks lets the ulcer heal.
Cause treatment: H. pylori eradication if positive; NSAIDs stopped or protected with medicine if they must continue.
Follow-up: a breath test confirms H. pylori clearance, and repeat gastroscopy is often advised for gastric ulcers to confirm healing.

Treatment outlook

Most ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. When H. pylori is eradicated and NSAIDs are avoided, recurrence becomes much less likely. Ulcers that do not heal need further investigation for other causes.

Risks and side effects

Complications of untreated ulcers include bleeding, perforation and narrowing of the stomach outlet, which need hospital care. Treatment medicines are usually well tolerated, though antibiotic regimens for H. pylori can cause taste changes and loose stools.

Choosing a clinic for ulcer treatment in Seomyeon

Choose a clinic with on-site gastroscopy and biopsy capability.
Ask whether a repeat endoscopy is planned for gastric ulcers.
Confirm the clinic tests for H. pylori and checks eradication afterwards.
If you need long-term aspirin or painkillers, ask about protective strategies.
Ask which hospital the clinic refers to in case of bleeding.

While you heal

Stop smoking, limit alcohol and avoid over-the-counter painkillers other than paracetamol unless your doctor approves. Clinics around Seomyeon Station on Lines 1 and 2 make the follow-up endoscopy straightforward to schedule.

How long does a stomach ulcer take to heal?

With acid-suppressing medicine, most ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks. Healing is faster and recurrence less likely when H. pylori is eradicated and anti-inflammatory painkillers are avoided.

What causes stomach ulcers?

The two main causes are H. pylori infection and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Smoking and heavy drinking slow healing. Stress and spicy food alone rarely cause ulcers but can worsen symptoms.

Why do I need a second endoscopy for a gastric ulcer?

A follow-up gastroscopy confirms the ulcer has healed and allows further biopsies if needed, since a small number of gastric ulcers turn out to be cancer. Duodenal ulcers usually do not need repeat endoscopy if symptoms resolve.

Can I take painkillers with a stomach ulcer?

Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin unless your doctor says otherwise. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually the safer choice. Always check with your doctor first.

When is a stomach ulcer an emergency?

Call 119 for vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black tarry stools, fainting or sudden severe abdominal pain. These may mean bleeding or perforation, which need urgent hospital treatment.

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