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Duodenal Ulcer Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Dr. Scott treats and diagnoses duodenal ulcers-open sores in the first part of the small intestine, at GastroDoxs in Houston. He provides quick relief, total healing and homely care using sophisticated endoscopy, customized care plans as well as utilizing established experience.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often between meals or at night
Bloating, frequent burping, or heartburn
Nausea or episodes of vomiting
Poor appetite and unintended weight loss
Black, tarry stools (a sign of bleeding ulcer)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Symptom Review
He speaks about your epigastric pain pattern (when, triggers, relief), taking NSAIDs, alcohol use, family history and other risk factors.
Physical Exam
He palpates your abdomen above to determine whether or not there is localized tenderness or guarding in the duodenal area.
H. pylori Testing
Helicobacter pylori infection can be diagnosed by accurate diagnosis through a breath test or a blood test.
Endoscopy (EGD)
A delicate, bendy scope is inserted directly down your mouth to the duodenum in order to confirm the ulcer and measure the size, as well as obtain biopsies, in case of necessity.
Imaging Studies (Optional)
CT scan or abdominal X-ray may be ordered if bleeding, perforation, or other complications are suspected.
Advanced Testing (If Needed)
In extreme instances of endoscopy, tissue biopsy helps to verify the cause of the ulcer or eliminate the presence of malignancy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for duodenal ulcers.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat smaller meals more often
Eschew alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food.
Quit smoking
Relax or use therapy in order to eliminate stress.
Drink plenty of water
2. Medications
Antiacidic agents proton pump-inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid secretion.
H2 blockers to decrease stomach acid.
Antibiotics in case of H. pylori infection.
Quick, limited treatment of antacids.
3. Minimal Invasive procedures or sophisticated processes.
Endoscopic therapy to prevent bleeding or excision of problem tissue.
Endoscopic capsule imaging of the small-intestine at selected cases.
Referral to surgery in case of non-healing or complications of ulcer.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do to make sure to have a duodenal or gastric ulcer?
Dr. Scott will examine your symptoms and will also test against H. pylori and possibly endoscopy to find out the exact location of the ulcer.
Do stress ulcers result in duodenal ulcers?
Stress does not cause ulcers directly but would lead to an aggravation of the symptoms and causes delay in the healing process.
How long does treatment take?
Most duodenal ulcers should be cured in a period of 4 to 8 weeks with the appropriate medicines and dietary adjustments.
Do ulcers pose a risk when left unattended?
Yes. Ulcers without treatment may bleed, perforate the intestinal wall or cause a scar and obstruction.
Is an endoscopy painful?
No. You will be lightly seded, and thus you will be relaxed and not likely to recall the operation.
Would diet alone be sufficient to treat the ulcer?
An effective diet cannot be ignored in the recovery process, but you will have to use drugs to combat ulcer such as PPIs or antibiotics in order to cure it completely.
When should I go to the ER?
Vomit blood, feel like you are passing black or tarry stools or you get sudden and extreme abdominal pain, call an ambulance.
