An intestinal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the small or large intestine. It can be shallow or deep and may bleed or cause pain. Ulcers may develop on their own or as part of a broader condition such as ulcerative colitis. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected colon segment may be necessary.
You may experience one or more of the following signs if you have an intestinal ulcer:
Intestinal ulcers arise when the bowel's inner lining is damaged. Common contributing factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our expert team combines cutting-edge diagnostics with compassionate, patient-centered care to treat intestinal ulcers effectively. From precise endoscopic evaluations to personalized medication plans and dietary guidance, we tailor every aspect of your treatment to help you heal faster and feel better. Don't wait-book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting digestive health and relief.
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.
An intestinal ulcer is a break or sore in the lining of your small or large intestine, which can lead to pain, bleeding, and digestive discomfort.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain or cramping (often after eating), bloating, nausea, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, urgency to use the bathroom, unexplained weight loss, and hidden (occult) blood in the stool.
Ulcers in the small intestine often present with bloating, pain or tenderness under the ribs, nausea, and discomfort after meals. Blood in the stool may also be a clue.
Common causes include infection with H. pylori bacteria, long-term use of NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen), inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), smoking, excessive alcohol, stress, and reduced blood flow (ischemia).
Small intestine ulcers can range from shallow surface sores to deep, penetrating lesions, with size and depth varying according to the underlying cause.
While very mild ulcers might resolve on their own, most require medical intervention-such as medications, dietary changes, or procedures-to fully heal and prevent complications.
Physicians diagnose large intestine ulcers using colonoscopy, imaging studies (like CT scans), and laboratory tests to identify bleeding, inflammation, or infection.
GastroDoxs in Cypress offers advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support from a dedicated team of intestinal ulcer specialists.
With appropriate treatment-such as acid-reducing medications, antibiotics, dietary adjustments, or endoscopic therapy-most people see healing within 4 to 8 weeks.
You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, sudden weight loss, severe nausea, or any alarming changes in bowel habits.
