Peptic ulcer treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

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Consultations work similarly to in-person appointments — the doctor can complete an assessment by asking questions about your symptoms, going through your health history, and determining what treatment is right for you. If they think your condition is more serious, they may tell you to go to a clinic for an in-person examination.

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Yes. In some cases, a doctor from Maple will be able to diagnose a peptic ulcer by evaluating your condition to see if you might be experiencing symptoms of a peptic ulcer.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may suggest that you visit a clinic for a physical exam and additional testing. This could include:

• Endoscopy
• Tests for H. pylori
• Upper gastrointestinal series (also called a barium swallow)

Yes. Our physicians can prescribe peptic ulcer medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it works page to learn more.

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the interior lining of both the stomach and the upper small intestine.

There are two peptic ulcer types:

• Gastric ulcers (inside the stomach)
• Duodenal ulcers (in the upper small intestine)

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes peptic ulcers to form.

Normally, a thick layer of mucus helps protect the stomach and intestinal linings from being affected by digestive juices.

This condition occurs when there is an imbalance between the digestive fluids hydrochloric acid and pepsin, an enzyme that assists with digestion.

Common peptic ulcer symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Burning stomach pain
• Intolerance to fatty, spicy, or greasy foods
• Bloating
• Excessive burping
• Feeling full when you haven’t eaten

Peptic ulcer causes can’t be traced to a single source. Several factors are believed to contribute to the imbalances that can allow peptic ulcers to form.

Some medical triggers which are believed to cause peptic ulcer disease include:

• Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Chronic use of certain common medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium
• Use of other medications, like NSAIDs, SSRIs, Fosamax or Actonel

Additionally, some habits can increase your peptic ulcer risk factors. These habits include:

• Excessive drinking
• Smoking
• Regularly eating very spicy foods
• Leaving chronic stress untreated.

Curbing these habits can help lower your chances of developing a peptic ulcer and speed up the recovery period after peptic ulcers have formed.

Most peptic ulcer treatment methods involve taking medications to help stop the direct cause of the peptic ulcer or to assist with protecting the stomach and intestinal linings, allowing them to heal.

Some medication options include:

• Medications to reduce stomach acid production, also known as acid blockers.
• PPIs, medications that promote healing while blocking acid production
• Antibiotics to kill H. pylori bacteria
• Medications to help protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine
• Antacids to help reduce stomach acid levels and assist with pain relief

The best methods for peptic ulcer prevention involve protecting yourself from possible infection from others through increased handwashing and by ensuring food is properly cooked. You should use caution when using common pain relievers regularly.

If you take pain relievers regularly, you can reduce your risks of developing peptic ulcers by finding the lowest dose that effectively reduces your pain. You can also take these medications with meals to help your body digest them more easily.

A gastric ulcer is one of the two peptic ulcer types.

Gastric ulcers are exclusively located on the interior of the stomach lining, while peptic ulcers can be located in both the stomach and the upper small intestine. These are also called duodenal ulcers.

In other words, while all gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers, not all peptic ulcers are gastric ulcers.

While both gastritis and peptic ulcers affect the stomach, the biggest difference between them is the severity of their impact on the organ.

Gastritis causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. In some cases, it can cause shallow sores to appear on the stomach lining. These are called erosions.

Peptic ulcer symptoms are more serious, causing deeper sores in the lining of the stomach that take longer to heal. Peptic ulcers can also form in the upper small intestine, in addition to the stomach.

The symptoms of these two conditions can be similar. A doctor may request an endoscopy to determine which of these conditions you’re experiencing.

Yes. In most cases, proper treatment can cure peptic ulcers.

That being said, peptic ulcer symptoms may continue after treatment. These ulcers are called refractory ulcers. If your doctor believes you’re experiencing a refractory ulcer, they may request an endoscopy to determine if the ulcer could be a symptom of another underlying condition.

Although it’s possible for an ulcer to heal on its own, it can take much longer for it to heal than if it’s treated properly.

Moreover, if the ulcer was caused or worsened by a habit, like excessive drinking or smoking, the ulcer could return as soon as the habits are resumed.