What Exactly Is an Ulcer?

Ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. Sometimes ulcers can even be on your esophagus. If you think you may have an ulcer and you live in New York, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Alpert. Dr. Alpert specializes in medical conditions relating to the stomach. Until then, read on to learn more about ulcers and how they affect your health.

Causes of Ulcers in New York

Inside your stomach is a thick layer of mucus that protects it from digestive juices. When the mucus layer is reduced, digestive acids attack the lining of your stomach. This causes ulcers.

Long-term use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can cause ulcers. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the inner lining of the small intestine and stomach.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria live in the layer of mucus that protects the tissue lining the stomach and small intestine. When it becomes infected, an ulcer can form.

Symptoms of Ulcers

Burning stomach pain is a common symptom of an ulcer. Other symptoms include heartburn, nausea, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, belching, and intolerance of fatty foods.

Sometimes you may experience symptoms such as vomiting, vomiting blood, changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, feeling like you are going to faint, dark blood in your stools, or breathing difficulties. Talk to your Ulcer New York specialist right away when experiencing any of these.

Medical Treatment for Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are usually easy to treat, but they can cause severe issues if you don't receive treatment. When you have an ulcer and you live in New York, Dr. Daniel Alpert can help you determine which treatment is best for your specific situation. If your doctor believes you have an ulcer, he or she may switch you to another pain medication if the one you are taking appears to be causing the ulcer. If the doctor believes that Helicobacter pylori bacteria is causing your ulcer, he or she will provide medical treatment for the infection.

When the Ulcer New York specialist eliminates the cause of the ulcer, he or she will then begin to treat the stomach ulcer by protecting it from stomach acid. This will allow the ulcer to heal.

Typical ulcer treatments include antacids or over-the-counter medication like Pepto Bismol that protect the stomach lining. Doctors may also prescribe a medication that blocks acid-producing cells. This type of medicine is called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Doctors may also choose to prescribe H2-receptor antagonists, medicine that prevents your stomach from producing excessive amounts of acid.

Schedule Your Appointment

When you have an ulcer and live in New York, it's important to receive medical treatment so that your condition doesn't worsen. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Alpert so that he can help you eliminate your stomach ulcer. Contact us at 212-599-7910 for an appointment.

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New York, NY Gastroenterologist
Daniel J. Alpert, M.D.

345 E. 37th St., Suite 304
New York, NY 10016

(212) 599-7910 Phone
(212) 599-8061 Fax

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed