Colon & Digestive Health Specialists
Eastside Endoscopy Center

Doctor wearing a mask, white coat, and blue gloves performing an upper endoscopy on a female patient lying on a clinic bed, with the endoscope inserted into her mouth and the procedure displayed on a monitor.

Upper Endoscopy: A Complete Guide to Procedure, Benefits & What to Expect

Introduction If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive problems, such as heartburn, nausea that doesn’t go away, or trouble swallowing, your

August 19, 2025 No Comments

What is Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.

The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.

Peptic ulcers include.

Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)

Causes

The most common causes of peptic ulcers include:

Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori).
Long term uses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
Stress and spicy food do not cause ulcers, but they can worsen the symptoms.

Symptoms

Burning stomach pain
Heartburn
Feeling of fullness and bloating
Nausea Vomiting of blood which may appear red or black.
Stool that are black and tarry
Feeling faint
Unexplained weight loss
Appetite changes

The pain can be relieved by taking an acid reducing medicine but then it may come back.

Complications

If ulcers are not treated, they may lead to following complications.

Internal bleeding. This may cause vomiting of blood or black or bloody stool.
A hole (perforation) in the stomach wall. This may lead to infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis)
Obstruction. Peptic ulcers can block passage of food through the digestive tract.
Gastric cancer

Prevention

You may reduce your risk of peptic ulcer by adapting the following strategies.

- Use caution with pain relievers. Avoid pain relievers NSAIDs whenever possible. If you must use NSAIDS, work with your doctor to find the lowest possible that gives relief and takes these medications with meals.
- Protect yourself with infections. It is unclear how H. Pylori spreads, but you may take steps to protect by frequent hand washing with soap and water and by eating foods that have been cooked properly

For Life-Threatening Emergencies Call 911

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Colon & Digestive
Health Specialists
1805 Honey Creek
Commons,
Ste B, Conyers GA
30013

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Colon & Digestive Health Specialists Eastside Endoscopy Center

Upper Endoscopy: A Complete Guide to Procedure, Benefits & What to Expect

What is Peptic Ulcers?

Colon & Digestive Health Specialists 1805 Honey Creek Commons, Ste B, Conyers GA 30013

Monday - Friday : 7:30am – 4:30pm Saturday & Sunday - CLOSED

Colon & Digestive Health Specialists
Eastside Endoscopy Center

Colon & Digestive
Health Specialists
1805 Honey Creek
Commons,
Ste B, Conyers GA
30013

Monday - Friday : 7:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday - CLOSED