Ulcers are open sores that form in the stomach or the first part of your small intestine. Peptic ulcer disease causes stomach pain and some food intolerances as well as other uncomfortable symptoms. At Gotham Gastroenterology, with locations throughout New York City in the Midtown East and Financial District neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York, and Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, the skilled gastroenterologists offer evaluation for suspected peptic ulcer disease as well as treatments to help the ulcers heal. Call today for an appointment or schedule one online.
In three-quarters of cases, ulcers often have no symptoms and are only detected at an exam.
If your ulcers are symptomatic, however, you may experience:
More severe signs of peptic ulcer disease include vomiting, blood in the stool, vomiting, faintness, or unexplained weight loss due to appetite changes.
You may notice the burning stomach pain is most noticeable when you have an empty stomach. Relief is sometimes found by eating certain foods that absorb the stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication. This doesn’t heal the ulcer, however, and the pain will likely return, especially between meals and at night.
Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting about one in every 10 people. Peptic ulcer disease can develop due to a bacterial infection known as H.pylori. The infection destroys the protective lining of your stomach.
Other causes of peptic ulcer disease include:
If your family has a history of peptic ulcer disease, you may also be vulnerable to developing it yourself. Untreated stress can sometimes aggravate ulcers, too.
Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on what the doctors determine is the primary cause. If you have an infection of H. pylori, you’ll be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Other treatments may include:
In rare cases, surgery may be required. The doctors may suggest surgery if you have a serious complication, such as acute bleeding, due to the ulcer. Medications are usually effective, however, in treating and relieving ulcer pain and inflammation.
If you have symptoms that suggest peptic ulcer disease, call Gotham Gastroenterology or schedule an appointment online for a thorough evaluation.