Stomach Ulcer: Duration of Healing, Recovery Process, and Additional Information
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Stomach ulcers, sores that develop in the stomach lining or small intestines, can usually heal within 1-2 months of receiving treatment. However, there are several factors that can delay healing or extend the recovery time.
Key factors that can affect recovery time include:
- Persistence or recurrence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: If the infection is not fully eradicated or recurs, ulcers can persist or return, requiring longer or repeated treatment.
- Continued use of ulcer-causing medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can worsen ulcers or delay healing. Not stopping or changing these medications can extend recovery.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and stress can aggravate ulcers, slowing healing despite treatment.
- Severity and size of the ulcer: Larger or deeper ulcers may take longer to heal, occasionally beyond the typical treatment duration. Ulcers larger than 5 millimeters in size may take up to 8-12 weeks to heal.
- Presence of chronic medical conditions: Conditions that impair healing—such as uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders—may prolong recovery.
- Incomplete acid suppression: Insufficient or irregular use of proton pump inhibitors or other acid-reducing medications can delay tissue repair.
- Complications or need for surgery: Rarely, ulcers that do not respond to medical therapy may require surgical intervention, prolonging overall recovery.
- Microbiota recovery: Emerging evidence shows that recovery of gut microbiota post-treatment (especially H. pylori eradication) may take several months up to a year, which might impact mucosal healing indirectly.
In general, treatment for stomach ulcers depends on the cause, with specific medications used to treat underlying causes such as H. pylori infection. General treatment guidelines may include antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-blockers, or antacids.
To speed up the healing process, people should take all doses of medications doctors prescribe, avoid smoking and drinking, and make lifestyle changes such as avoiding acidic foods. Regular follow-up and lifestyle changes are important to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
If you have persistent symptoms of a stomach ulcer or develop signs of a serious complication, including vomiting blood, a coffee ground appearance in vomit, sticky, tar-like stools, or a sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen, you should contact a doctor immediately.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stomach ulcer. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-ulcer/symptoms-causes/syc-20376166
[2] NHS. (2021). Stomach ulcers. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Stomach Ulcers. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16785-stomach-ulcer
[4] Bäumler, J. (2018). Gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 52(1), 1-7.
[5] American College of Gastroenterology. (2020). ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Ulcer. [online] Available at: https://www.acg.gi.org/patients/guidelines/gastric-ulcer-diagnosis-and-treatment
