Dr. Krishna Chaitanya

MBBS, MS , FMAS

General, GI & Laparoscopic Surgeon — Kukatpally (KPHB)

Experience: 15+ years

Timings: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; confirm availability

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Peptic Ulcer Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Follow-up

Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Upper abdominal burning, nausea or bloating may occur, but symptoms alone cannot confirm an ulcer. Finding and treating the cause helps healing and reduces recurrence.

When to get emergency help

Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stools, fainting or sudden severe abdominal pain needs immediate emergency assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing or worsening symptoms also needs prompt medical review.

Peptic Ulcer Disease: Symptoms, Treatment

Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers

A gastric ulcer forms in the stomach; a duodenal ulcer forms just beyond it. Pain may worsen after food or occur on an empty stomach, but the pattern varies and does not reliably identify the ulcer type. Some ulcers cause no symptoms until a complication occurs.

What causes peptic ulcers?

The main causes are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. Tell your doctor about prescribed medicines and over-the-counter painkillers.

Smoking can hinder healing. Spicy food and everyday emotional stress are not the main causes of peptic ulcers, although some foods or stress may worsen symptoms. Rare causes may need specialist investigation if an ulcer persists despite appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and possible complications

Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, early fullness, nausea, bloating or belching. An ulcer can bleed, create a hole in the stomach or duodenal wall, or cause blockage. Similar discomfort can have other causes, so repeated self-treatment for acidity should not replace assessment of persistent symptoms.

How an ulcer is investigated

The doctor reviews symptoms, previous ulcers, medicines and any family history of digestive cancer. Tests depend on your age, symptoms and risk factors.

H. pylori testing: a urea breath test or stool antigen test can identify active infection. Endoscopic biopsy testing may be appropriate when an endoscopy is needed. Blood antibodies may remain positive after an old infection and do not confirm that treatment has cleared it.
Upper GI endoscopy: a flexible camera examines the stomach and duodenum. Biopsies may be needed, especially for a stomach ulcer or suspicious area. The clinician explains preparation, sedation, risks and any medicine changes.
Other tests: blood tests may assess anaemia or bleeding; imaging may be needed for suspected complications. CT is not a routine substitute for endoscopy in every patient.

Treatment depends on the cause

Acid-reducing medicines, commonly a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), help an ulcer heal. Take them for the prescribed course. The length of treatment and whether repeat endoscopy is needed depend on the ulcer and test results.

If H. pylori is present

A clinician selects a combination of medicines based on factors such as previous antibiotic use, allergies and local resistance. Complete the course and report side effects. Do not buy a generic antibiotic combination or reuse an old prescription.

If NSAIDs are involved

The prescriber may stop or change the painkiller, reduce exposure or prescribe stomach protection. Taking an NSAID with food does not remove the risk of an ulcer or bleeding. Do not stop prescribed aspirin, antiplatelets or blood thinners on your own; ask the prescribing clinician for an individual plan.

When a procedure is needed

Bleeding may need treatment during endoscopy and hospital monitoring. Perforation, obstruction or uncontrolled bleeding can require urgent intervention or surgery. Most uncomplicated ulcers are treated with medicines rather than an operation.

Treatment-Options-for-Peptic-Ulcer-Disease

Confirm that H. pylori treatment worked

Feeling better does not prove the infection has cleared. A follow-up stool antigen, breath or suitable biopsy-based test is generally performed at least four weeks after treatment. PPIs are usually withheld for two weeks, and antibiotics and bismuth for four weeks before the test to reduce false-negative results. Follow the clinician's testing instructions and medicine plan; do not interrupt essential treatment without advice. Blood antibody tests are unsuitable for confirming eradication.

Food, habits and follow-up

There is no special diet proven to cure an ulcer. Eat a balanced diet and avoid foods or drinks that clearly trigger your symptoms. Stop smoking and discuss alcohol use with your clinician. Diet changes and antacids do not eradicate H. pylori.

Keep follow-up appointments, particularly for a gastric ulcer, persistent symptoms or an abnormal biopsy. Some stomach cancers can resemble an ulcer; this is why selected ulcers need biopsies and follow-up. Most peptic ulcers are not cancer, but long-standing H. pylori infection is a gastric cancer risk factor.

Appointments in Hyderabad

Kukatpally (KPHB)

Dr. Krishna Chaitanya — MBBS, MS, FMAS; General, GI & Laparoscopic Surgeon; 15+ years; 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Call +91 9111674111 to confirm the appropriate consultation.

H.No 15-24-212, MIG-212, Road Number 1, KPHB Phase 1, Kukatpally Housing Board Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072.

Tarnaka

Dr. T. Phanindra — MBBS, MS, FMAS; General Surgeon; 10+ years; 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Call +91 9100001201 to confirm availability and whether gastroenterology review is needed.

H.No 12-5-30, White House, Moula Ali Road, South Lalaguda, Tarnaka, Secunderabad, Telangana 500017.

Bring previous endoscopy and biopsy reports, H. pylori results, treatment records, your medicines and allergy details. Confirm test availability, procedure location, referral arrangements and charges before booking. Emergency symptoms need immediate emergency care.

Patient information sources

This guide supports an individual consultation; it does not diagnose the cause of abdominal pain.