Peptic Ulcers in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is a peptic ulcer?
Peptic ulcers, a common GI condition, are open sores that develop in the stomach (a gastric ulcer) or upper small intestine (a duodenal ulcer) that may cause bleeding, discomfort, and pain. The cells that line the stomach are encased in a layer of mucus that helps protect the stomach against damage. When this protective lining within the stomach or small bowel is damaged, the acid from the stomach can erode the tissue behind the protective wall.
Though anyone can experience peptic ulcers, some patients may carry a greater risk if peptic ulcers run in their family or if they are age 50 or older. The gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Center offer skilled care for this condition. If you need treatment for peptic ulcers in Ocean Springs, MS, please get in touch with our team immediately to request a consultation at a location near you.
What causes peptic ulcers?
As previously mentioned, a peptic ulcer occurs when the stomach or small intestine’s organ tissue comes into contact with pepsin (stomach acid). Pepsin then begins to break down the tissue within the organ. However, there are two primary reasons that the erosion of the stomach lining occurs.
H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori, often simply referred to as H. pylori, is a bacteria that can enter your system in various ways. Once the bacteria does find a way in, it can invade the mucus layer in the stomach. This produces openings in the lining, allowing for the creation of ulcerations. When helicobacter pylori is detected, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the harmful bacteria.
Pain relievers
Some pain relievers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, can hinder your body from creating a chemical that protects the internal walls of your small intestine and stomach.
Other pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), will not cause ulcers to form in the stomach and small intestine. This is one of the reasons why healthcare providers recommend taking pain medication in small and controlled amounts.
Risk factors for peptic ulcers
Additional risk factors for gastric or duodenal ulcers include:
- Eating spicy and acidic foods
- Smoking
- Stress
- Alcohol consumption
- Regular use of NSAID painkillers
Our Ocean Springs, MS gastroenterologists are trained to identify the signs of peptic ulcers and help identify the source causing them.
What are common symptoms of peptic ulcers?
Since peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or small intestine, individuals frequently have discomfort and a burning sensation in the abdominal region when they occur. Other symptoms of peptic ulcers may involve:
- Bloody stool
- Vomiting
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Nausea
- Belching
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling bloated
- Decreased appetite
- Fatty food intolerance
If you are vomiting or experiencing blood in your stool, please call your provider as soon as possible. If you have any combination of the symptoms mentioned above or use nonprescription antacids that reduce your discomfort, but the discomfort returns, request an appointment with a GI specialist at a local Digestive Health Center at your earliest convenience.
What are the treatments for peptic ulcers?
With proper care, peptic ulcers can be treated and may heal over time. Treatments for peptic ulcers could include:
- Cytoprotective agents (medication to protect the lining of the small intestine and stomach)
- Endoscopic procedures to cauterize bleeding arteries
- Surgery
- Antibiotics to kill helicobacter pylori
- Medications to reduce acid production (H-2 blockers)
- Decrease the use of certain pain relievers
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid
Find treatment for peptic ulcers
Our gastrointestinal specialists provide peptic ulcer treatment to Ocean Springs, MS patients and wish to help you enjoy a life free of the pain or discomfort they cause. Please call Digestive Health Center to learn more about your options for treatment and how we go above and beyond to assist our patients. Request a consultation at a location near you today.
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He is the bomb! I LOVED him when I was sick. And he is very entertaining too.
Personally I think Dr. McNair is a blessing. He's been my doctor for years. He's awesome and cares for each of his patients as if they were family. He takes the time to go over his findings very thoroughly with each patient from that patients procedure and this is a wonderful thing because people want to know what is going on with them sooner than later. He answers questions and gets to the bottom of things. What a wonderful doctor he is!
Dr McNair is extremely knowledgeable in his profession and has an excellent bedside manner. He explains what he is doing in terms that I can understand. Him and his staff is always professional!!!
Great Doctor walked in talking to my dad as if he'd known him all his life and then he mentioned why he does what he does ...the Lord! This is the Doctor that will do my Dads procedure....Wonderful man.
went in for visit, good feeling upon arrival, very professional and informative about my childs condition, will be back for follow up and annuals.
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