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Peptic Ulcer Disease
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott offers comprehensive peptic ulcer disease care. From precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to lifestyle advice and advanced endoscopy, his experienced team works to heal ulcers, alleviate pain, and improve your overall digestive health.
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 Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores form on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, often due to infection with Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Infection with H. pylori bacteria
Long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
Smoking or other tobacco use
Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
High stress levels or poor sleep habits
Family history of peptic ulcers
Signs and Symptoms
Burning or gnawing pain between the chest and belly button
Pain that improves or worsens with eating
Bloating, burping, or indigestion
Nausea or occasional vomiting
Black, tar-like stools (indicates bleeding)
Unintended weight loss
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your health history, NSAID use, alcohol and tobacco habits, family history of ulcers, and details of your epigastric pain.
H. pylori Testing
Non-invasive breath or blood tests to detect Helicobacter pylori infection, a common ulcer cause.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Direct visualization of the stomach and duodenum lining to locate and assess ulcers.
Biopsy samples for H. pylori confirmation and to rule out other conditions.
Imaging Studies (if needed)
Occasionally a barium swallow X-ray or CT scan is ordered to check for complications like perforation or obstruction.
ICD-10 Coding
Once confirmed, Dr. Scott assigns the proper code (usually K27.9 for unspecified peptic ulcer) for accurate record-keeping and insurance.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for peptic ulcer disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Avoid foods that trigger pain (spicy, fatty, or acidic meals)
Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol and caffeine
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion
Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like exercise or mindfulness
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to significantly reduce stomach acid
H2 receptor blockers to lower acid production
Antibiotic regimens to eradicate H. pylori infection
Antacids for rapid symptom relief
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic therapy to control or stop ulcer bleeding
Advanced endoscopy techniques for detailed ulcer assessment
Surgical intervention when ulcers fail to heal with medical treatment
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's the difference between peptic ulcers and gastritis?
Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or upper small intestine lining. Gastritis is irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining without an actual sore.
How long does it take to heal an ulcer?
With appropriate treatment-such as acid-suppressing medications and antibiotics for H. pylori-most ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks.
Do I need an endoscopy?
Yes. An upper endoscopy (EGD) is the most accurate way to visualize and diagnose peptic ulcers, assess their severity, and guide treatment.
Can lifestyle changes fix my ulcer?
Lifestyle and dietary modifications help reduce symptoms and support healing, but most ulcers also require medications like PPIs, H2 blockers, or antibiotics.
Are ulcers inherited?
Family history can increase your risk, especially if relatives had H. pylori infection or peptic ulcers. However, lifestyle and bacterial factors play a larger role.
What is the ICD-10 code for ulcers?
The general code for an unspecified peptic ulcer is K27.9. Your provider may use more specific codes based on location and complications.
When should I go to the ER?
Seek emergency care if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomit blood or coffee-ground-like material, or pass black, tarry stools-signs of potential bleeding.
