Expert Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach ulcers for Patients in New Jersey
Stomach ulcers Overview
Stomach ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, are sores that develop in the lining of your stomach. The medical community has gained a greater understanding of peptic ulcers in recent years, along with how to better treat this condition.
Symptoms of Stomach ulcers
The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain. This pain may grow in intensity or feel like a burning sensation. Stomach ulcers or ulcers present lower in your gastrointestinal tract called duodenal ulcers, may also cause nausea and a gassy feeling with belching. Vomiting blood, known as hematemesis, occurs in rare cases of severe peptic ulcer disease.
Possible Causes of Stomach ulcers
We know now that ulcers are not caused by spicy food or stress, although these factors can aggravate peptic ulcers. In fact, most ulcers form due to the bacteria H. pylori. These bacteria live in the stomach and can contribute to stomach ulcers.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also damage the stomach lining and lead to peptic ulcers. NSAIDs include medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Taking these drugs continuously for an extended period of time is a bad idea unless directed by your physician. Even at a strength available over the counter, NSAIDs may damage your liver as well as your stomach.
Stomach ulcers Diagnosis
Stomach ulcers can be diagnosed by our stomach ulcers specialists through imaging or endoscopy. Imaging includes procedures like x-rays, MRI, and CT scans. In an endoscopy, a tube with a camera is passed through your esophagus into your stomach so that your gastroenterologist can view your belly directly.
The presence of H. pylori can be detected in several ways – a blood test, breath test, or biopsy. The blood test is a simple laboratory test where a small sample of your blood is drawn. The breath test can also be performed in your gastroenterologist’s office. You’ll need to breathe into a bag, and your breath will be sent off for analysis. Your gastroenterologist can also perform a biopsy to check for H. pylori during an endoscopy, discussed above.
Treatment of Stomach ulcers
There are several treatments available for stomach ulcers, all of which can be prescribed to you by gastroenterological doctors at New Jersey Advanced Gastro Center. If you test positive for H. pylori, your gastroenterologist may decide to treat you with antibiotics that kill these bacteria. Also, you will likely be prescribed drugs that reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes, neutralize your stomach acid, or protect your stomach lining. Experienced gastroenterologists may also recommend lifestyle changes, like a varied diet, weight loss, ceasing smoking, and abstaining from alcohol.