1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Erosive Gastropathy
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott specializes in diagnosing and treating erosive gastropathy-a condition where irritations and erosions develop on the stomach lining, causing pain or bleeding. He delivers comprehensive care, from endoscopic evaluation to lifestyle adjustments and targeted therapies.
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.
What Is Erosive Gastropathy?
A condition where the stomach lining is irritated and develops small surface breaks (erosions)
May cause pain, bleeding or stigmata of recent bleeding on endoscopy
ICD-10 code K29.6 (use K29.60 if no bleeding, K29.61 if bleeding is present)
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
Excessive alcohol consumption or regular smoking
Severe stress in critically ill or hospitalized patients
Helicobacter pylori infection
Bile reflux into the stomach
Underlying diseases such as cirrhosis or chronic kidney disease
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen
Nausea or episodes of vomiting
Vomiting blood (hematemesis) or passing dark, tarry stools (melena)
Bloating or feeling full after small meals
Reduced appetite or unintentional weight loss
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Erosive Gastropathy?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms (epigastric pain, nausea, bleeding signs), NSAID or alcohol use, stress factors, and prior H. pylori exposure.
Laboratory Tests
He orders a complete blood count to check for anemia, plus a breath or stool test to detect H. pylori infection.
Endoscopy and Imaging
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to directly visualize mucosal erosions and identify stigmata of recent bleeding.
Biopsies during EGD to test for H. pylori or rule out other gastric lesions.
Advanced Diagnostics (if needed)
In select cases, he may recommend abdominal ultrasound or CT to exclude biliary disease or structural causes, or gastric motility studies for refractory symptoms.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for erosive gastropathy.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
Eat smaller meals more often
Reduce stress with breathing and relaxation exercises
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
H2 blockers if PPIs are not suitable
Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection
Sucralfate to coat and protect the stomach lining
3. Advanced Endoscopic Care
Endoscopic clips or thermal therapy to stop active bleeding
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 is erosive gastropathy?
It's a stomach condition where the lining gets inflamed and develops shallow sores. These sores can bleed.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel better in four to six weeks with treatment and diet changes.
Will I need an endoscopy?
If you have pain, bleeding, or high risk, Dr. Scott may recommend it to check the damage.
Can I still take NSAIDs?
It's best to stop them. If you must use them, Dr. Scott will suggest a medicine to protect your stomach.
What does “stigmata of recent bleeding” mean?
It means that during endoscopy, there are clear signs that your stomach has bled recently.
What is the ICD-10 code for erosive gastropathy?
The code is K29.6. Use K29.60 if there is no bleeding and K29.61 if there is bleeding.
Related Blogs
Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia
