BlogsCourses & TrainingMedia & EventsAwardsOutreach ProgramCareersResearchFAQ's
Bangalore Gastro CentreNABH Accredited
About Us
Specialities
Treatments
Our Doctors
International Patients
Contact Us
BlogsCourses & TrainingMedia & EventsAwardsOutreach ProgramCareersResearchFAQ's
Make an Appointment
whatsapp
Our Treatments

Peptic Ulcers

Hospital Building
Peptic Ulcers

Peptic Ulcers

Last updated: 15 January 2025

Category: diseases

Understanding Peptic Ulcers:

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus. They result from an imbalance between stomach acid, the protective mucosal barrier, and the digestive juices. Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.

Symptoms:

 Peptic ulcers can manifest with a range of symptoms, including:

  • Burning abdominal pain, often occurring between meals or during the night.
  • Indigestion or heartburn.
  • Nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood.
  • Dark, tarry stools or blood in vomit, indicating bleeding ulcers.
  • Unexplained weight loss or appetite changes.

 

How Bangalore Gastro Centre Can Help:

Prompt Diagnosis and Intervention:

Utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic tools, we swiftly identify the presence and cause of peptic ulcers, ensuring timely intervention.

Tailored Treatment Plans:

Our gastroenterologists craft personalized treatment regimens tailored to address the underlying cause of your peptic ulcer and alleviate symptoms effectively.

Compassionate Care and Support:

Recognizing the challenges posed by peptic ulcers, we offer empathetic support and guidance throughout your treatment journey, empowering you toward recovery.

Results:

Early detection and targeted treatment are pivotal in managing peptic ulcers and mitigating complications. With our comprehensive approach, we strive to optimize outcomes and enhance your quality of life.

Potential Complications:

Left untreated, peptic ulcers can lead to severe complications such as internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach or intestine, and obstruction. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent these risks.

Prevention:

While some risk factors for peptic ulcers may be unavoidable, adopting a healthy lifestyle, limiting NSAID use, abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress can help reduce the likelihood of developing ulcers.

Meet Our Expert Gastroenterologists:

Our esteemed team of gastroenterologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcers, ensuring individualized care tailored to your unique needs.

Contact Information:

For appointments and inquiries, please reach out to us:

Tel: 080-4688-8888

Email: info@bangaloregastrocentre.com

Visit our website www.bangaloregastrocentre.com for more details and to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this treatment and condition.

What causes peptic ulcers and how are they diagnosed?

+

Peptic ulcers are primarily caused by H. pylori bacterial infection (60-70% of cases) or long-term use of NSAIDs (20-30% of cases). Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods don't cause ulcers but may worsen symptoms. Diagnosis involves tests for H. pylori through breath, stool, or blood tests, upper endoscopy for direct visualization and biopsy, or upper GI series with barium to outline the digestive tract. Endoscopy is preferred as it allows tissue sampling and treatment.

Can peptic ulcers be cured and how long does treatment take?

+

Yes, most peptic ulcers can be completely cured with appropriate treatment. H. pylori-related ulcers are treated with combination antibiotic therapy (triple or quadruple therapy) plus acid-blocking medications for 10-14 days, with cure rates of 85-95%. NSAID-related ulcers heal with acid-blocking medications and avoiding the offending drug. Most ulcers heal within 4-8 weeks with proper treatment. Follow-up testing ensures H. pylori eradication and ulcer healing.

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

+

Common symptoms include burning or gnawing stomach pain, typically occurring between meals or at night, that may be temporarily relieved by eating or taking antacids. Other symptoms include bloating, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting. However, some ulcers cause no symptoms (silent ulcers). Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention include severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or signs of perforation.

What complications can occur with untreated peptic ulcers?

+

Serious complications include bleeding (most common), perforation creating a hole through the stomach or duodenal wall, obstruction from swelling or scarring blocking food passage, and rarely, increased cancer risk with certain types of H. pylori infection. Bleeding ulcers may cause anemia, black stools, or vomiting blood. Perforation is a medical emergency causing severe pain and requiring immediate surgery. These complications emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment.

How effective is H. pylori treatment?

+

H. pylori eradication therapy is highly effective with success rates of 85-95% using standard triple therapy (two antibiotics plus proton pump inhibitor) or quadruple therapy for resistant cases. Treatment typically lasts 10-14 days. Follow-up testing 4-6 weeks after completing antibiotics confirms eradication. Factors affecting success include antibiotic resistance patterns, patient compliance, smoking, and previous treatment attempts. Successful eradication usually prevents ulcer recurrence.

What dietary changes help with peptic ulcer healing?

+

While no specific diet cures ulcers, certain modifications support healing: eat regular, smaller meals to avoid empty stomach periods, avoid foods that worsen symptoms (often spicy, acidic, or fatty foods), limit alcohol and quit smoking as both delay healing, include foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins, stay hydrated, and avoid late-night eating. Most importantly, follow prescribed medication regimens and avoid NSAIDs. Individual food triggers vary, so keep a food diary to identify personal irritants.

Can stress cause peptic ulcers?

+

Stress does not directly cause peptic ulcers, but it can worsen symptoms and potentially delay healing. The primary causes are H. pylori infection and NSAID use. However, severe physical stress (like major surgery, burns, or critical illness) can cause stress ulcers through increased acid production and reduced protective mechanisms. Psychological stress may contribute to poor lifestyle choices (increased alcohol, smoking, NSAID use) that increase ulcer risk. Stress management remains important for overall digestive health.

When should I see a doctor for stomach pain?

+

Seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black or bloody stools, signs of shock (dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion), or sudden severe pain suggesting perforation. See a doctor promptly for persistent stomach pain lasting more than a few days, recurring pain that interferes with daily activities, unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or vomiting, or symptoms not responding to over-the-counter treatments.

What medications are used to treat peptic ulcers?

+

Treatment medications include proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole) to reduce acid production, antibiotics (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole) for H. pylori eradication, H2 receptor blockers (ranitidine, famotidine) for acid suppression, bismuth compounds in quadruple therapy, and protective agents like sucralfate. Treatment choice depends on H. pylori status, previous treatments, local antibiotic resistance patterns, and patient factors. Never self-treat suspected ulcers without medical evaluation.

Need Expert Care?

Our specialists are here to provide personalized treatment and answer any additional questions you may have.

Book ConsultationCall Now
Book Appointment