Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) — Patient Information

A clear guide for Valley Gastroenterology patients.

What is peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). They form when the protective lining is weakened and acid injures the tissue.

Common causes

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection (very common cause)
  • NSAIDs/aspirin (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, etc.), especially with long‑term use
  • Less common: severe illness/stress in hospital (stress ulcers), rare tumors, smoking, heavy alcohol use

Many ulcers occur from H. pylori, NSAIDs, or both together.

Symptoms

  • Burning/gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
  • Bloating, nausea, early fullness
  • Symptoms may improve with food or acid suppressants, then return

Red‑flag symptoms — seek care promptly

  • Black/tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee‑ground material
  • Severe, sudden abdominal pain (possible perforation)
  • Persistent vomiting, inability to keep liquids down, or unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia symptoms (fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness)

If heavy bleeding or severe pain occurs, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

How we diagnose

  • Upper endoscopy (EGD): Confirms the ulcer, allows biopsy to test for H. pylori and rule out other issues
  • H. pylori testing: stool antigen or breath test (timing matters—see below)
  • Labs if bleeding or anemia are suspected

Treatment

Your plan depends on the cause and location of the ulcer.

Acid suppression

  • Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) taken 30–60 minutes before breakfast (and before dinner if twice‑daily) to promote healing
  • Typical course: 8 weeks for gastric ulcers; 4–8 weeks for duodenal ulcers (we tailor to you)

H. pylori eradication (if positive)

  • Combination antibiotics + PPI for 10–14 days using a recommended regimen
  • Test of cure is required: stool antigen or breath test ≥4 weeks after antibiotics and after stopping PPIs for ~2 weeks (we’ll give an exact plan)

NSAID/aspirin related

  • Stop NSAIDs/aspirin if possible; consider acetaminophen instead
  • If a blood thinner or aspirin is necessary, we coordinate a safe plan with your prescriber and usually continue a PPIduring use

Lifestyle & supportive care

  • Avoid tobacco; limit alcohol
  • Small, frequent meals if nauseated; avoid foods that worsen symptoms (varies by person)
  • Treat associated H. pylori in household contacts only if they test positive (testing is individualized)

Complications we watch for

  • Bleeding (may require endoscopic therapy)
  • Perforation (a hole in the stomach/duodenum; surgical emergency)
  • Gastric outlet obstruction (scarring/swelling causing vomiting)

Follow‑up

  • We reassess symptoms and medication plan at 4–8 weeks
  • Repeat endoscopy may be recommended for gastric ulcers to document healing and exclude other causes
  • Confirm H. pylori eradication as above; long‑term PPI only if clinically indicated

Alaska‑specific note

We accommodate winter travel and weather‑related rescheduling without penalty. Telehealth is available for appropriate follow‑ups and result reviews.

Contact:

Valley Gastroenterology

3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Phone: (907) 373-2544

Fax: (844) 689-4240

Web: ValleyGastroAK.com