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Ulcer Of Intestine
Intestinal ulcers are painful sores in the small intestine or colon, causing bleeding, discomfort, and digestive problems. In Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment—combining advanced procedures, tailored medications, and lifestyle guidance to restore health.
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
Infection with H. pylori bacteria
Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
Excess stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
Smoking or heavy alcohol use
Chronic stress or poor eating habits
Family history of intestinal ulcers
Signs and Symptoms
Burning or aching pain in the belly
Bloating or feeling overly full
Nausea or vomiting
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Dark or tarry stools (indicating bleeding)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Ulcer of Intestine &?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—including epigastric pain, burning sensations, NSAID use, alcohol and tobacco history—and assesses family risk factors.
Physical Examination
Dr. Nguyen palpates your abdomen to locate tenderness, checks for bloating or guarding, and evaluates general signs of digestive distress.
Blood Tests
Complete blood count (CBC) to detect anemia; liver function tests and inflammatory markers to rule out other causes.
Breath & Stool Tests
Noninvasive tests to identify H. pylori infection: the urea breath test and stool antigen assay.
Endoscopy
Upper GI endoscopy to directly visualize ulcers in the duodenum or small intestine.
Biopsies taken during endoscopy to confirm H. pylori and exclude malignancy.
Advanced Imaging (if needed)
CT scan or MRI may be ordered to evaluate complications such as perforation, strictures, or abscess formation.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for ulcers of the intestine.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eat smaller meals more often
Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods
Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol
Practice stress relief like meditation or deep breathing
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's the difference between a peptic ulcer and an intestinal ulcer?
A peptic ulcer forms in the stomach or upper small intestine, while an intestinal ulcer can occur farther down in the small intestine or in the colon.
How long does treatment take?
Most patients start feeling better within 4 to 6 weeks of beginning medication and making lifestyle changes.
Can I heal without surgery?
Yes. The majority of ulcers heal with proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, antibiotics for H. pylori, and dietary adjustments.
Will my ulcer come back?
Recurrence is possible, but following Dr. Nguyen's diet and lifestyle recommendations can greatly reduce the risk.
Is an endoscopy painful?
No. You'll receive sedatives and a local anesthetic, so most people experience little to no discomfort.
What's the ICD-10 code for an intestinal ulcer?
The code is K27.9, which denotes a peptic ulcer of the small intestine without bleeding or perforation.
Do I need to fast before tests?
Yes. You should stop eating 6-8 hours before an endoscopy to ensure clear visualization and accurate results.
