A duodenal ulcer is an open sore that develops in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. It belongs to a group of ulcers called peptic ulcers and often causes a burning or gnawing pain when the stomach is empty.
You may experience:
Several factors can lead to a duodenal ulcer:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, we combine advanced diagnostic tools-like endoscopy and precise H. pylori testing-with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our board-certified gastroenterologist will design a personalized treatment plan to reduce your symptoms, promote healing, and help you get back to the things you love.
Ready to find relief from duodenal ulcer pain? Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.3K 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.
The ICD-10 code depends on the ulcer type; most duodenal ulcers are coded from K26.0 through K26.9.
Use code K26.1 for a perforated duodenal ulcer with bleeding.
Duodenal ulcer pain often improves after eating, whereas gastric ulcer pain typically worsens with food.
Common symptoms include burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and sometimes dark or black stools if bleeding occurs.
A CT scan may occasionally detect an ulcer, but endoscopy remains the gold standard for a clear and direct view.
Triple therapy combines a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) with two antibiotics, usually given for 10-14 days, to eradicate H. pylori infection.
Diagnosis typically involves an upper endoscopy to visualize the ulcer and tests (breath, blood, stool) or biopsy to detect H. pylori.
With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, most people experience significant improvement within 4-8 weeks.
The most common causes are H. pylori bacterial infection and prolonged use of NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you have persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, signs of bleeding (such as dark stools), or if symptoms don't improve with initial treatment.
