An intestinal ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the small or large intestine. It can be shallow or deep and may bleed or cause pain. Ulcers may develop on their own or as part of a broader condition such as ulcerative colitis. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected colon segment may be necessary.
You may experience one or more of the following signs if you have an intestinal ulcer:
Intestinal ulcers arise when the bowel's inner lining is damaged. Common contributing factors include:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for intestinal ulcers and related conditions. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Don't wait-book your appointment today and take the first step toward better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
An intestinal ulcer can range from mild to severe if left untreated, it may lead to bleeding, anemia, or even perforation of the bowel wall, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Early signs often include mild abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, or discomfort after eating; if these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Yes. Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs, as well as eating smaller, more frequent meals, can reduce irritation and support the healing process.
Surgery may be considered if medications fail to control inflammation, if there is heavy bleeding or bowel perforation, or if there are other serious complications affecting quality of life.
Some patients find relief using probiotics, stress reduction techniques, and smaller meals, but these should complement-not replace-medical treatment and professional guidance.
Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy to visualize and possibly biopsy the ulcer, blood tests to check for anemia or infection, stool tests, and imaging studies when needed.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing continuous ulcers along the colon, whereas a single intestinal ulcer is an isolated sore without widespread disease.
Yes. While stress doesn't directly cause ulcers, it can increase acid production, slow healing, and exacerbate pain, so stress management is an important part of treatment.
Most people begin to feel better within four to eight weeks of starting the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes; full healing time varies by ulcer size and patient adherence.
GastroDoxs in Jersey Village provides expert gastroenterology care, including diagnosis, endoscopic treatment, and personalized follow?up plans for intestinal ulcers.
