ULCERS IN THE STOMACH OR UPPER INTESTINE

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Q: How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is most commonly confirmed with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which allows direct visualisation of the ulcer and biopsy for H. pylori testing. Non-invasive tests for H. pylori — breath, stool or blood tests — are also used.

Q: Can peptic ulcers come back after treatment?

Recurrence is significantly reduced when H. pylori is fully eradicated and anti-inflammatory pain medications are avoided. Patients who continue smoking, drink heavily or need ongoing anti-inflammatory therapy are at higher risk and may need long-term acid-suppression therapy.

Q: What are the warning signs of a complication?

Warning signs include vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, passing black or tarry stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and significant weight loss. These need urgent medical evaluation.

Open sores in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine causing upper abdominal pain, indigestion and risk of bleeding. Treatable with acid-suppression therapy and H. pylori eradication.

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Peptic ulcer stomach pain evaluation in Hyderabad

H. pylori or NSAIDs MAIN CAUSES

Treatable WITH TARGETED THERAPY

Endoscopy OFTEN CONFIRMS

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which open sores (ulcers) develop in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). The two main causes are infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and prolonged use of anti-inflammatory pain medications. Smoking, alcohol, severe stress and certain illnesses can also contribute. Typical features include burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain (often relieved by food in duodenal ulcers, worsened by food in gastric ulcers), bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Complications include bleeding (causing dark stools or vomiting blood), perforation and obstruction. Diagnosis is confirmed with endoscopy and testing for H. pylori. Treatment with acid-suppression therapy, H. pylori eradication when present, and avoidance of triggers is highly effective. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive peptic ulcer care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain Pain relieved by food in duodenal ulcers, worsened by food in gastric ulcers Bloating and belching Indigestion and feeling full quickly Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite and weight loss Dark stools or vomiting blood in bleeding ulcers

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory pain medications
Smoking
Alcohol intake
Severe physical stress, major illness or burns
Family history of peptic ulcer disease
Less commonly, hormone-producing tumours

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Endoscopy, H. pylori testing (breath, stool or biopsy) and blood tests

Types

Gastric ulcer · Duodenal ulcer

Treatment

Acid-suppression therapy and H. pylori eradication when present

Complications

Bleeding, perforation and obstruction in untreated disease

Prevention

Avoid unnecessary anti-inflammatory medication and treat H. pylori

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Acid Suppression with H. pylori Eradication

The most effective approach combines acid-suppression therapy to heal the ulcer with H. pylori eradication when present, avoidance of anti-inflammatory medication where possible, and lifestyle changes. This significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and complications.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, medications and lifestyle, and arranges endoscopy and H. pylori testing as appropriate.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created with acid-suppression therapy, H. pylori eradication when present, and review of medications and lifestyle.
3

Medical Management

Acid-suppression therapy for healing, H. pylori eradication, withdrawal of contributing medications and treatment of complications.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Follow-up to confirm symptom resolution, test of cure for H. pylori and repeat endoscopy in selected cases to confirm ulcer healing.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Acid-Suppression Therapy

Effective medication reduces stomach acid, promotes ulcer healing and relieves symptoms over a structured course.

H. pylori Eradication if Present

Structured combination eradication therapy clears H. pylori infection and significantly reduces ulcer recurrence.

Withdrawal of Anti-Inflammatory Medications Where Possible

Stopping or switching anti-inflammatory pain medications, where clinically possible, removes a major cause of ulceration.

Lifestyle Modification

Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding excessive spicy or irritant foods and managing stress all support healing.

Endoscopic and Surgical Care for Complications (Referral for gastroenterology / surgical evaluation)

Bleeding, perforation or obstruction require urgent endoscopic or surgical management under specialist care.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed?+

Can peptic ulcers come back after treatment?+

What are the warning signs of a complication?+

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