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Ulcers

At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our experienced and trusted gastroenterology team provides comprehensive ulcer diagnosis and personalized treatment plans-combining advanced endoscopic techniques, dietary counseling, and ongoing support-to help local patients manage pain, promote healing, and restore digestive health with confidence.

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Harris County Medical Society
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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Are Ulcers?

Ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of your digestive tract or on your skin. In Jersey Village, most patients inquire about stomach (peptic) ulcers, which affect the stomach lining or small intestine. Skin ulcers-arterial or venous-also occur but have different causes and treatments.

Common Symptoms

If you have an ulcer, you may experience:

  • Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach (often worse when hungry)
  • Nausea or episodes of vomiting
  • Bloating or feeling full after small meals
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Black, tarry stools (indicating possible bleeding)

Causes

Ulcers can develop for several reasons, including:

  • H. pylori bacterial infection in the stomach lining
  • Frequent use of NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen or naproxen)
  • Stress-while not a direct cause, it can worsen existing ulcers
  • Smoking tobacco or excessive alcohol consumption
  • Gum infections such as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
  • Underlying digestive disorders (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
Treatment

Treatment Options for Ulcers in Jersey Village

Treatment includes medications, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing care:

  • Antibiotics: Eradicate H. pylori infections with a targeted antibiotic regimen.
  • Acid blockers: Use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: For ulcerative colitis-related ulcers, medications like mesalamine or corticosteroids may be prescribed.
  • Diet modifications: Avoid caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and fried items choose bland, easily digestible meals to soothe the lining.
  • Lifestyle changes: Stop smoking, limit NSAID use, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and maintain a balanced sleep schedule.
  • Follow-up care: Schedule regular check-ups and, if needed, follow-up endoscopy to monitor healing and adjust your treatment plan.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

Don't ignore ulcer symptoms any longer. Book an appointment today with GastroDoxs in Jersey Village for expert care tailored to your needs. Our specialists handle everything from precise ICD-10 coding and H. pylori eradication to personalized diet advice and long-term follow-up. Take the first step toward faster healing and lasting relief-schedule your visit now and get back to feeling your best, close to home.

1.5K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drink is good for ulcers?

Water, aloe vera juice, and non-acidic herbal teas can help soothe ulcer symptoms. Avoid soda, coffee, and other acidic or caffeinated beverages that may irritate your stomach lining.

What's the ICD-10 code for gastric ulcers?

The ICD-10 code for gastric (stomach) ulcers falls under the K25 series. Your healthcare provider will select the exact code based on ulcer location and complications.

What's the ICD-10 code for ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is classified under the K51 series in ICD-10. Your physician will determine the specific subcode according to disease extent and severity.

Can stress cause ulcers?

Stress alone doesn't directly cause ulcers, but it can exacerbate symptoms, increase stomach acid production, and delay healing in existing ulcers.

What's the difference between arterial vs. venous ulcers?

Arterial ulcers arise from poor arterial blood flow and typically occur on the feet or toes, while venous ulcers result from weak or damaged veins-usually on the lower legs. Each type requires a different treatment approach.

Which foods should I avoid with a stomach ulcer?

Avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, coffee, alcohol, and fried or highly fatty dishes, as these can irritate your ulcer and worsen pain or inflammation.

What are common drugs for ulcerative colitis?

Treatments often include anti-inflammatory medications such as mesalamine, corticosteroids like prednisone, and immune-modifying agents to reduce intestinal inflammation.

Why don't zebras get ulcers?

This phrase highlights that wild animals rarely develop stress-induced ulcers. In humans, most ulcers stem from H. pylori infection or long-term use of certain medications, not chronic stress alone.

What is acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?

Also known as "trench mouth," this is a severe gum infection characterized by painful, bleeding gums and ulcerations. Treatment includes antibiotics, improved oral hygiene, and professional dental care.

How long do ulcers take to heal?

Most gastric and peptic ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks with proper treatment. Your doctor may perform a follow-up endoscopy to ensure the ulcer has fully resolved.

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