The Burning Truth: Understanding Stomach Ulcers with Dr. Sandeep Pal - Top Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh

Do you often feel a burning pain in your stomach, especially when it’s empty or after eating? Does indigestion or a feeling of discomfort plague you regularly? These could be signs of a stomach ulcer. In North India, factors like dietary habits, stress, and certain common medications have made peptic ulcers a prevalent concern.

All About Ulcers

Many people tend to dismiss persistent stomach pain, attributing it to simple indigestion or gas. However, ignoring these signals can be detrimental. A stomach ulcer, or peptic ulcer, is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of your stomach, small intestine, or sometimes the esophagus. It’s not just an uncomfortable condition; if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health complications.

Dr. Sandeep Pal, a leading Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, emphasizes that proper understanding and timely intervention are crucial when dealing with ulcers. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about stomach ulcers — what they are, their causes, common symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and effective treatment strategies to help you find lasting relief.

What Exactly Are Stomach Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers)?

As Dr. Sandeep Pal, Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, explains, peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of your digestive tract. They primarily occur in three areas:

1. Stomach Ulcers (Gastric Ulcers): These form on the inner lining of the stomach.

2. Duodenal Ulcers: These are the most common type and form in the duodenum, the upper part of your small intestine that connects to the stomach.

3. Esophageal Ulcers: These develop in the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach) and are often linked to chronic acid reflux (GERD).

   
   

Our stomach contains powerful acids that help digest food. The stomach’s inner lining is protected by a thick layer of mucus. An ulcer forms when this protective mucus layer becomes compromised or too much acid is produced, allowing the acid to erode the lining, creating an open sore.

Why Do Stomach Ulcers Occur? The Main Causes

Dr. Sandeep Pal, Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, highlights that the two most common causes of peptic ulcers are:

1. Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori Infection:

2. This is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining, weakening its protective barrier and causing inflammation. While H. pylori is present in a large portion of the world’s population, not everyone develops ulcers. In susceptible individuals, it can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcer formation.

3. This infection can be spread through contaminated food and water or close contact.

2. Long-term Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

• Common painkillers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (e.g., Brufen), and Naproxen can irritate the stomach lining and interfere with its ability to produce the protective mucus. Regular or high-dose use of these medications is a significant risk factor.

• Many people in North India self-medicate with NSAIDs for various pains, often unaware of this potential side effect.

3. Other contributing factors can include:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining, increasing acid production.

• Smoking: Nicotine can increase stomach acid, slow healing of ulcers, and weaken the protective mucus layer.

• Stress: While stress alone doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms and complicate healing, especially for those already infected with H. pylori or taking NSAIDs. Stress can also affect the gut-brain axis, making the stomach more sensitive.

• Spicy Foods: Contrary to popular belief, spicy foods generally don’t cause ulcers, but they can significantly aggravate existing ulcers and increase discomfort.

• Genetics: A family history of ulcers might increase your susceptibility.

• Rare Conditions: In very rare cases, conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause excessive acid production, leading to severe ulcers.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Be Concerned

The symptoms of a stomach ulcer can vary, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all until complications arise. However, if you notice any of the following, it’s crucial to consult Dr. Sandeep Pal, Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh:

• Burning Stomach Pain: This is the most common symptom. The pain is typically felt anywhere from your navel to your breastbone. It can range from mild to severe, often feels like a burning, gnawing, or aching sensation. It may:

• Worsen when your stomach is empty.

• Be relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking antacids.

• Return between meals or at night.

Indigestion and Heartburn: A feeling of fullness, bloating, or heartburn.

• Nausea or Vomiting: Especially after meals.

• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Due to discomfort after eating.

• Feeling Full Quickly: Even after small meals.

• Dark or Black Stools (Melena): This indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract. This is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention.

• Vomiting Blood: This can appear red or black (like coffee grounds). This is also a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention.

When to See A Gastroenterologist :

If you experience persistent stomach pain, especially the burning type, or any of the “red flag” symptoms like blood in stool or vomit, do not delay seeking medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent serious complications.

Diagnosis: How a Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh Confirms Ulcers

When you visit Dr. Sandeep Pal, Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, with symptoms suggestive of an ulcer, he will typically conduct:

1. Detailed Medical History and Physical Exam: He will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle.

2. H. pylori Test:

3. Urea Breath Test: You drink a special liquid, and your breath is tested for H. pylori.

4. Stool Test: A stool sample is tested for H. pylori antigens.

5. Blood Test: Can detect antibodies to H. pylori (less commonly used for active infection detection).

3. Upper Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy — EGD):

• This is the most definitive test. Dr. Sandeep Pal will insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) down your throat into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This allows him to directly visualize the lining, identify any ulcers, and take tissue samples (biopsies) for H. pylori testing or to rule out cancer.

4. Barium Swallow (Upper GI Series):

• You drink a liquid containing barium, which coats the lining of your digestive tract. X-rays are then taken, allowing the doctor to see the outline of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, which might reveal ulcers.

Lifestyle Modifications: These are critical for healing and preventing recurrence:

• Avoid NSAIDs: If possible, stop using NSAIDs or switch to alternatives under medical guidance.

• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits severely impede ulcer healing.

• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

• Dietary Changes: While there’s no specific “ulcer diet,” avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic foods, caffeine) that worsen your symptoms is recommended. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help.

When Surgery Might Be Needed:

In rare cases, if an ulcer doesn’t heal with medication, causes severe bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach/intestine), or obstruction, surgery might be necessary. Your Gastroenterologist, will discuss such options if they become relevant.

Living a Life Free from Ulcer Pain: Insights from Dr. Sandeep Pal

“Understanding your ulcer and committing to the treatment plan is key to healing and preventing future occurrences,” says Dr. Sandeep Pal.

“Many people find complete relief and go on to live a normal, symptom-free life. However, neglecting symptoms or incomplete treatment can lead to complications.

My goal as a Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh is to not only treat your ulcer but also to educate you on how to maintain your digestive health long-term.”

Conclusion:

Stomach ulcers are common but treatable digestive conditions that cause open sores in the stomach or small intestine lining. They are primarily caused by H. pylori infection or NSAID use. Recognizing symptoms like burning stomach pain, especially empty stomach pain, and seeking timely medical attention from a specialist is crucial.

With proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan involving medication and lifestyle changes, you can effectively heal ulcers and enjoy a comfortable, pain-free life. Don’t let ulcer pain control your day — reach out to Dr. Sandeep Pal, Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh, for expert care.