Ulcers

Overview

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach (a gastric ulcer) or duodenum (a duodenal ulcer).

Peptic ulcers can be cured. First, you should avoid alcohol and quit smoking, since smoking and alcohol can make ulcers worse or slow the healing process. Your doctor may also prescribe medications, depending on what caused the ulcers.

Possible medications include proton pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. One or more antibiotics may be prescribed to kill an H. pylori infection. Other medicines such as Pepto-Bismol may be used to coat the ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.

Applicable Procedures

EGD

What causes a peptic ulcer?

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection from a bacterium called H. pylori or from long-term use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. While they do not cause peptic ulcers, stress and spicy foods can worsen the symptoms of an ulcer. Smoking and consuming alcohol can increase the risk of peptic ulcer.

Are peptic ulcers dangerous?

Peptic ulcers generally heal if you follow treatment guidelines and reduce risk factors, but in some cases, they can lead to complications, like internal bleeding, holes in the stomach wall, and blockage of food moving through the digestive tract. A hole in the stomach wall can lead to serious infections. If your peptic ulcer is a result of H. pylori infection, you may be at increased risk of gastric cancer.

How are peptic ulcers treated?

Peptic ulcers are typically treated through the use of medications, such as antibiotics that treat H. pylori or medications that block the production of acid. Your doctor may also prescribe acid blockers, medications that neutralize acids, or medications that protect the lining in the stomach and small intestine. Surgery is required only in rare cases, as medications usually lead to healing of ulcers.

Common Symptoms

“I had heartburn and a burning sensation in my stomach.”
“I felt extremely full and nauseous after eating, especially when I ate greasy, fatty foods.”
“I had burning stomach pain and felt bloated. The pain was worse when I had an empty stomach.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Mike P.

CDH is set up for quick registration and in front of the PA, Nicolette, in a very timely manner. She was polite, thorough, and we have a good plan to take more steps in our plan of continuous digestive improvement! Thanks again. I'll be back for a scope.

Terri S.

Very nice facility with friendly, efficient staff.

Brian M.

Excellent, efficient office with great staff. Hats off to Roger my nurse. Post op follow up call and all. Dr. Abidir is a great GI doc. However, I am good for 10 years.

Rob E.

Had my first meeting with center for Digestive health, and was very pleased. Staff and Doctor were very professional. Dr listeed to my issues, and I was very happy with the plan we laid out to deal with ongoing abdominal pain issue.

Frances Van H.

Everyone was very professional and polite. The whole procedure went well. I saw Dr. Donut there was no pain. Was able to talk to him before and after the procedure.

Lynne M.

I got excellent care during my entire colonoscopy procedure; however, I was asked to bring in a list of medications and I took the time to make it but was never asked for it at the check in desk. I left it and my purse with my driver, when I got inside the medical assistant asked me about what medications I took. I could not remember then all or how to spell them. She said something like "never mind; we will just skip it." I am sorry but I think that is important to my procedure and records with you and should have been handled more professionally.

Dianna P.

Very professional. Also very personable.

Susan V.

Dr Balogna and the entire staff were professional and helpful.

Carol M.

Very friendly staff.

Richard M.

Everything went smoothly, in and out in a flash !

Jim Z.

Great team. Very professional. Totally a smooth operation.

Diane M.

Dr. Weber and his staff are efficient, professional, thorough while maintaining a very friendly atmosphere. Thank you to every one of you for your endless efforts.

Yvonne G.

Dr. Bakker let me read off a list of items of concern and she responded to each item on the list.

rosann K.

I really appreciate Dr. Nandi. He really listens and was able to do an endoscopy and resolve my problems.

Sridhar V.

I really like the care in this facility. Dr Nandi and the team is awesome !!

Joe C.

The staff was friendly and efficient. The dr that performed my procedure was knowledgeable and clearly defined what was done and the final (good) results ; will definitely go back to this group for more required tests.

margaret M.

Staff is top of the line, I love Dr. Bologna!!

Judith H.

Doctor was on time and staff was proficient..

jaclyn S.

I have had a few of my colonoscopy procedures with the Center for Digestive Health. They have been professional and efficient, providing help along the way getting clearance from my doctor. The whole experience was quick and relatively easy. If you're looking for a gastrointestinal doctor, this is the place to be.

Janet B.

Dr. John Weber is the best doctor I have ever found for my colonoscopy. Good bedside manner and very efficient and knowledgeable.

John L.

The process rand like clock work. All on time. Most important the staff, nurses, and doctor were so polite and made sure I understood and was comfortable.

William E.

The surgical facility is very convenient, staff is great and Dr Quallich is very personable and attentive.

Stephanie S.

I had seen Dr. Bakkem. Straight to the point and she answered all my questions and gave me suggestions to help with the problem that I was having. Dr. Bakkem did my procedure and told me her findings after the procedure was completed. Everyone was very professional and caring. I would recommend Dr. Bakkem to anyone. Everything turned out well. Thank you so much.

Angie M.

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Bakken. I wish she could be my primary care physician too. She’s very friendly. She explains her recommendations so I understand why I should get certain things done. She doesn’t make me feel like I’m “just” the patient and I just need to listen to her. I’m so glad I found her!

Wanita Z.

McKenna and David were awesome! Everyone was awesome! Very friendly, professional and calming!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6255 reviews

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Nancy T.

Everyone was so caring and thoughtful. Thank you all.

Chuck O.

Everyone was friendly explained everything, The doctor reviewed the findings and if I needed their services again I’d go back.

Jennifer T.

The staff was so kind and attentive.

Greg T.

Great staff. Medical testing isn't fun but this place really does take a lot of stress out of the process.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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