What is an Ulcer?

If you suffer from moderate-to-severe chronic stomach pain, you could have an ulcer. Your gastroenterologist can help. The gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY, offer a full range of gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of ulcers.

What You Need To Know About Ulcers

An ulcer is an open sore that can develop in your stomach lining or the lining of your upper intestine. The most common cause of an ulcer is an infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Another cause of an ulcer is long-term medication use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

You can have an ulcer and not experience any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Feeling a burning pain in your stomach
• Feeling bloated or overly full
• Frequent belching
• Difficulty eating fatty foods
• Frequent heartburn
• Frequent nausea or vomiting
• Suddenly losing weight
• Changes to your appetite

Ulcer symptoms may increase if you:

• Experience frequent stress
• Eat spicy or acidic foods
• Have an empty stomach

You may get relief from an ulcer if you:

• Take over-the-counter antacid medications
• Avoid spicy, acidic foods
• Manage your stress
• Eat a bland diet

You should visit your gastroenterologist if your stomach pain continues, is getting worse, or is not relieved with over-the-counter medications. An infection of H. pylori bacteria often requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In addition to antibiotics, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Proton pump inhibitors, to reduce stomach acid
• Bismuth subsalicylate, to coat and protect an ulcer from stomach acid
• Histamine blockers, to help limit stomach acid production
• Dietary modification, including avoidance of spicy or acidic foods
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Practicing stress management techniques

Want To Know More?

To find out more about ulcers and how your gastroenterologist can help you get relief, call the gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (631) 307-9181, so call today.