Condition

Peptic ulcer disease

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Treated by Dr. Ravi Chandra Reddy Obili at Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy

Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores develop in the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). These ulcers form when stomach acid damages the protective mucus layer. Most ulcers are caused by bacterial infection or certain medications, and they can cause burning pain, especially between meals or at night.

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Peptic ulcer disease at Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy
Quick Facts

At a glance.

Clinical Overview
Progression TypeVariable
Diagnosis MethodEndoscopy and biopsy
Types

Types of peptic ulcer disease.

Gastric ulcerDuodenal ulcerComplicated ulcer

Gastric ulcer

Ulcer located in the stomach lining, often causing pain shortly after eating

Duodenal ulcer

Ulcer in the first part of the small intestine, typically causing pain when the stomach is empty

Complicated ulcer

Ulcer that has led to bleeding, perforation, or obstruction requiring urgent attention

Causes

What causes peptic ulcer disease?

Multiple factors can contribute to the development and progression of this condition.

Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Excessive stomach acid production
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Symptoms

Signs to look out for.

Recognising the signs early gives you more treatment options.

Early StageMild discomfort
Burning pain in the upper abdomen
Discomfort between meals or at night
Bloating and feeling of fullness
ModerateIncreasing impact
Persistent stomach pain that wakes you at night
Nausea and occasional vomiting
Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
AdvancedSignificant limitation
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Severe, sudden abdominal pain indicating possible perforation
Evaluation

How it's evaluated.

Assessment begins with your medical history and symptoms, followed by physical examination. Not every patient requires all investigations; Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy selects tests based on individual presentation.

Treatment

Treatment options available.

From conservative to surgical — we always start with the least invasive option first.

Acid suppression therapy
View details

Acid suppression therapy

  • Proton pump inhibitors taken daily
  • H2-receptor antagonists as alternative
  • Regular monitoring of symptom improvement
Our Approach

How we handle this condition.

A structured, patient-first approach from first visit to full recovery.

Step 01

Detailed assessment

Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy takes a thorough history of your symptoms, medication use, and lifestyle factors, followed by a physical examination to guide the need for further tests

Step 02

Diagnostic endoscopy when indicated

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy allows direct visualisation of the ulcer, assessment of its size and location, and biopsy for H. pylori testing or to rule out other concerns

Step 03

Individualised medical management

Treatment is tailored to your specific ulcer type, whether H. pylori is present, and any medications you are taking; adjustments are made based on how you respond

Step 04

Surgical care for complications

When complications such as perforation or uncontrolled bleeding occur, Dr Ravi Chandra Reddy provides timely surgical intervention, choosing the approach that best suits your clinical situation

Recovery

Recovery & aftercare.

What to expect at each phase of recovery.

Initial healingContinuation and monitoringLong-term maintenance

Initial healing

Most ulcers begin to heal within a few weeks of starting medication; symptoms often improve before the ulcer is fully healed, and individual timelines vary

Continuation and monitoring

Completing the full course of medication is important even when symptoms resolve; follow-up endoscopy may be arranged for larger ulcers or to confirm H. pylori clearance

Long-term maintenance

After healing, avoiding NSAIDs and other triggers helps prevent recurrence; some patients may need ongoing acid suppression depending on individual risk factors

Outcomes

Treatment outcomes.

Symptom relief and ulcer healing

Most patients experience significant pain relief and ulcer healing with appropriate medical treatment; timelines and response vary by individual and ulcer characteristics

Prevention of recurrence

Successfully treating H. pylori and avoiding risk factors greatly reduces the chance of new ulcers forming, though recurrence can still occur in some cases

Management of complications

Prompt treatment of bleeding or perforation can prevent serious outcomes, though these complications carry their own risks and recovery may be more complex

Persistence despite treatment

A small number of ulcers do not heal with standard therapy and may require further investigation or alternative approaches; some chronic conditions increase this risk

What happens if this is left untreated?

Untreated peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications including bleeding, which may become life-threatening if severe. The ulcer can also perforate, creating a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall that allows digestive contents to leak into the abdomen, causing infection and requiring emergency surgery. Chronic ulcers may cause scarring that narrows the digestive tract, leading to obstruction.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical attention if you have persistent upper abdominal pain, especially if it wakes you at night or is relieved temporarily by eating or antacids. Immediate care is needed if you vomit blood, notice black or tarry stools, or experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, as these may indicate complications requiring urgent treatment.

FAQ

About peptic ulcer disease.

Can stress or spicy food cause peptic ulcers?
How long does it take for a peptic ulcer to heal?
Will I need surgery for my peptic ulcer?
Is H. pylori infection contagious?
Can peptic ulcers come back after treatment?
Related Care

Procedures we offer.

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Related resources.

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Perforation SurgeryGastrointestinal Cancer SurgeryAdvanced Laparoscopic GI Surgery

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Acid refluxGERD Hiatus herniaSwallowing disorders

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Don't let peptic ulcer disease hold you back.

Early treatment means more options and better outcomes. Book a consultation to understand your condition and explore the right path forward.

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