Peptic ulcer disease refers to ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These sores develop when the protective lining is weakened and acid damages the underlying tissue. The most common causes are infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), though other factors can contribute.
Ulcers can cause burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain, sometimes with nausea, bloating, or early fullness. If severe, they can bleed or perforate, which are medical emergencies. Effective treatments are available to eradicate H. pylori, reduce acid, and help the lining heal.
Symptoms vary from mild discomfort to severe pain or bleeding. Many people notice a dull or burning pain in the upper abdomen, often related to meals, but some ulcers cause few or no symptoms until a complication occurs.
Call the office if you have persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, early fullness, or unexplained weight loss, especially if you use NSAIDs regularly or have a history of ulcers. Also call if pain or heartburn do not improve on medication.
Seek emergency care immediately for vomiting blood, coffee-ground material, or black/tarry stools; sudden, severe abdominal pain; feeling faint or passing out; or signs of shock (confusion, rapid heartbeat, cold/clammy skin). These may indicate bleeding or perforation and require urgent treatment.
Evaluation typically includes a careful history, tests for H. pylori, and often upper endoscopy to directly visualize the stomach and duodenum, especially when there are alarm symptoms or risk factors.
Treatment focuses on removing the cause, healing the ulcer, and preventing recurrence or complications. This usually involves eradicating H. pylori when present, reducing or stopping NSAIDs when possible, and taking acid-suppressing medicine for a prescribed course.
If your insurance requires a referral or prior authorization, our billing office will make every effort to obtain it before services are rendered. If you choose to proceed without required authorization, insurance may deny coverage. If you are a Medicare patient, you may be asked to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) acknowledging financial responsibility if insurance does not pay. If you are enrolled in a commercial insurance plan you will be asked to sign a non-covered services form.