Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) happens when open sores develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. This occurs when the balance between stomach acid and the protective mucus layer is disrupted. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve pain and prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
Symptoms can vary in intensity, but often include:
Several factors can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our peptic ulcer specialists combine cutting-edge diagnostics with personalized treatment plans-including triple therapy, dietary guidance, and ongoing nursing support-to help you heal faster and feel better. With a patient-centered approach, compassionate care, and easy access to endoscopy imaging and expert follow-ups, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Don't let ulcers hold you back-book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief and a healthier life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Gastritis is inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, often causing discomfort or indigestion. An ulcer is a deeper sore that extends through the lining into the stomach or small intestine tissue.
Diagnosis typically involves reviewing your symptoms, testing for H. pylori infection (via breath, blood, or stool tests), and performing an endoscopy to visualize and biopsy any sores.
ICD-10 codes for peptic ulcer disease range from K25 (gastric ulcer) through K28 (unspecified peptic ulcer), with subcodes indicating acute, chronic, or bleeding ulcers.
To support healing, avoid spicy dishes, citrus fruits, coffee or caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and any foods that trigger your symptoms.
Triple therapy is a 10-14 day regimen combining two antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori and a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid and promote ulcer healing.
Stress doesn't directly create ulcers, but it can increase acid production and worsen symptoms, making healing more difficult without proper treatment.
With appropriate medication and lifestyle adjustments, most peptic ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks, though some may require longer to fully resolve.
Schedule an appointment if you experience persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, or any signs of bleeding (dark stools or vomiting blood).
Similar symptoms can arise from GERD, gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones, or other gastrointestinal conditions-your doctor will rule these out during evaluation.
Yes. We provide endoscopy images and case studies so you can visually track ulcer healing and better understand your condition and treatment progress.
