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Peptic Ulcer Disease
Experience expert peptic ulcer disease care at GastroDoxs in Houston with Dr. Nghia Nguyen. Combining advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, personalized attention, Dr. Nguyen helps patients rapidly overcome ulcer pain, eradicate H. pylori, restore digestive health for lasting comfort and wellbeing.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Helicobacter pylori infection
Regular NSAID use (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Heavy alcohol consumption
High stress levels or poor sleep
Family history of peptic ulcers
Signs and Symptoms
Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach, often between meals or at night
Bloating, belching, or acid reflux
Nausea or occasional vomiting
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Dark, tarry stools or blood in vomit
Pain that radiates to the back
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Epigastric Pain and Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms—burning or gnawing epigastric pain, NSAID use, alcohol and tobacco history—and performs a focused abdominal exam.
Upper Endoscopy
An endoscope visualizes your stomach and duodenum to locate ulcers, assess bleeding, and obtain biopsy samples if needed.
H. pylori Testing
Breath test detects urease activity linked to H. pylori.
Stool antigen test confirms bacterial proteins.
Laboratory Tests
Blood work checks for anemia, infection markers, and rules out other causes of epigastric discomfort.
Imaging Studies (if indicated)
Rarely, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate complications like perforation, obstruction, or abscess.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for peptic ulcer disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
Quit smoking and manage stress
Stay hydrated and get adequate rest
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
H2 blockers for acid control
Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection
Antacids for quick symptom relief
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic therapy to seal bleeding ulcers
Laparoscopic surgery for perforated or non-healing ulcers
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for peptic ulcer disease?
The primary codes range from K25 (gastric ulcer) through K28 (gastro-jejunal ulcer), depending on ulcer location and complication.
How do I know if it's an ulcer or gastritis?
Ulcers are actual sores in the lining; gastritis is inflammation without a discrete sore. An upper endoscopy is the gold standard to distinguish them.
Can ulcers cause back pain?
Yes. Some patients report ulcer pain radiating to the back, often between the shoulder blades.
How long does ulcer treatment take?
With proper medications (acid reducers, antibiotics for H. pylori) and diet changes, most ulcers heal within 4-8 weeks.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rare. Dr. Nguyen uses endoscopic therapies or minimally invasive laparoscopy only for bleeding, perforated, or non-healing ulcers.
Can stress cause ulcers?
Stress can worsen ulcer symptoms but rarely causes them alone. H. pylori infection and NSAID use remain the most common triggers.
Should I get tested for H. pylori?
Yes. Identifying and eradicating H. pylori infection is crucial for long-term ulcer healing and preventing recurrence.
