Peptic Ulcer Disease — treatment in Lahore
Also known as: Gastric Ulcer · Duodenal Ulcer · Stomach Ulcer · Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), most often caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of pain medications (NSAIDs).
Overview
Peptic ulcers most often come from H. pylori infection or long-term NSAID use. With the right diagnosis, healing usually takes 4–8 weeks.
Signs & symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease
If you recognize one or more of these, it may be worth a consultation:
- Burning stomach pain, often between meals
- Bloating or fullness
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Dark or black stools (urgent sign)
- Unintentional weight loss
Causes & risk factors
Several factors can contribute to Peptic Ulcer Disease. Identifying yours guides the treatment plan.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection — the leading cause
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin) used long-term
- Severe physiological stress (ICU patients, major burns)
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Rarely: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (acid-secreting tumour)
How Peptic Ulcer Disease is diagnosed
We order tests selectively — only what changes the plan.
- H. pylori breath/stool test
- Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy
- Blood tests
Treatment options
Treatment for Peptic Ulcer Disease is personalized — the right plan depends on your symptoms, test results, and life situation.
- 1 H. pylori eradication: triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy for 10–14 days
- 2 PPI therapy for 4–8 weeks to allow healing
- 3 Stopping or replacing NSAIDs
- 4 Endoscopic confirmation of healing for gastric ulcers
- 5 Test-of-cure for H. pylori 4 weeks after treatment
Most peptic ulcers heal completely within 4–8 weeks of correct treatment. Recurrence is uncommon when H. pylori is eradicated and NSAIDs are stopped.
Can Peptic Ulcer Disease be prevented?
Simple, evidence-based steps that reduce your risk.
- Use NSAIDs sparingly; ask about gastroprotection if you need them regularly
- Get H. pylori-tested if a family member has been diagnosed
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
When should you see a doctor about Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Reach out without delay if you notice any of the following.
- Burning stomach pain that wakes you at night or improves with food
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black or tarry stools
- Sudden severe abdominal pain (possible perforation — emergency)
- Unexplained weight loss
Frequently asked questions about Peptic Ulcer Disease
How do I know if I have an ulcer? +
Suspect ulcers if you have burning upper-stomach pain that comes and goes — often worse when hungry or at night, and sometimes relieved by food or antacids. The diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopy with biopsy.
Is H. pylori contagious? +
H. pylori spreads mainly through contaminated food, water, and close contact within families. Living with someone who has it raises your chance of infection, but routine screening of all family members is not required unless they have symptoms or ulcers.
Can stress alone cause an ulcer? +
Day-to-day stress does not directly cause ulcers, but extreme physiological stress (major surgery, burns, ICU stay) can. Stress also tends to worsen symptoms in patients who already have an ulcer.
Can I drink milk if I have an ulcer? +
Milk gives short-term relief but stimulates acid production after a few hours, so it isn't recommended as treatment. Stick to your prescribed medication and small, regular meals.
Related services
How we treat Peptic Ulcer Disease at Javaid Poly Clinic.
Useful self-check tools
Free, evidence-based — try them before your visit.
Dr Usman Javaid
Gastroenterology & Medicine Diplomat · DIP (Gastro) UK · DIP (Hepatology) UK · DIP (Diabetes) UK · MCPS FM-TC · MPH · FRSPH (UK) · FRCP (Colombo) · Organ Transplant Advisor · CHPE (NUMS) · Preventive Medicine Specialist · Owner of Javaid Poly Clinic.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Usman Javaid on . Content is updated when new evidence or guidelines emerge.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. If you have symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease or any other condition, please book a consultation. In emergencies, call 1122 or visit your nearest emergency department.