Peptic Ulcer Treatment in Dubai – HealthHub Clinics

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a condition where open sores develop on the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. These sores, commonly known as stomach ulcers, can cause pain and discomfort but are treatable with proper medical care. At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, our Gastroenterology department offers comprehensive and compassionate care for adult patients with peptic ulcer disease. Our experienced gastroenterologists (stomach ulcer specialists) focus on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and guidance to help you recover and maintain good digestive health.

What Are Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the digestive tract. They occur most often in the stomach (called gastric ulcers) or the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum (called duodenal ulcers). When the protective lining of the stomach or intestine is weakened, harsh digestive acids can create an open sore. This condition is relatively common in adults and can affect anyone. Peptic ulcers are not contagious, and with timely medical attention they can be managed effectively.

At HealthHub Clinics, we take a patient-centered approach to peptic ulcer care. Our team educates patients on their condition and ensures all questions are answered in a professional yet approachable manner. Understanding what peptic ulcers are is the first step toward relief and healing.

Common Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcer symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Many patients initially mistake ulcer symptoms for general indigestion or heartburn. Recognizing the symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment and prevent complications. Common signs and symptoms include:

Burning or gnawing abdominal pain: Often felt in the upper middle part of the belly. This pain may be worse when the stomach is empty – for example, between meals or at night – and can briefly improve when you eat or take antacid medications.
Indigestion and bloating: A feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching after meals. You might feel uncomfortably full even after eating a small amount.
Heartburn or acid reflux: A burning sensation that rises from the stomach into the chest or throat. Not all patients have this, but it can occur alongside ulcers.
Nausea or vomiting: Some people with ulcers feel nauseous, and in more severe cases, ulcers can cause vomiting. Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds or contains blood is a warning sign of a bleeding ulcer and needs immediate medical attention.
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Ongoing pain and nausea can lead to eating less, resulting in unintentional weight loss. You might avoid eating to prevent pain, which can reduce your appetite over time.
Dark or tarry stools: This is a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. Ulcers that bleed can cause stool to appear black, tar-like, or have traces of dark blood. If you notice this symptom, seek medical care right away.

Having one or more of these symptoms does not always mean you have an ulcer, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Our stomach ulcer specialists in Dubai are skilled at distinguishing ulcer symptoms from other gastrointestinal issues and will recommend appropriate tests if an ulcer is suspected.

Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcers

Accurate diagnosis of a peptic ulcer is key to effective treatment. At HealthHub Clinics, our gastroenterology team uses modern diagnostic tools and their clinical expertise to confirm whether an ulcer is present. When you visit a stomach ulcer specialist in Dubai at our clinics, here’s what you can typically expect:

Medical history and symptoms review: The doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and any medications you take. Certain pain relievers (like NSAIDs) and other factors can contribute to ulcer formation, so providing a full history helps in guiding the next steps.
Physical examination: A gentle exam of your abdomen will be done to check for pain or tenderness in specific areas. The doctor may ask if the pain correlates with eating or if certain positions alleviate it.
Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): For a definitive diagnosis, an endoscopy is the gold standard procedure. During an endoscopy, a thin flexible tube with a camera (called a gastroscope) is carefully passed through the mouth into the stomach and upper intestine. This allows the gastroenterologist to directly visualize any ulcers. The procedure is done with sedation, so you remain comfortable.
Helicobacter pylori testing: Identifying the presence of H. pylori bacteria is important, because it changes the treatment approach. Tests for H. pylori may be done via a biopsy during endoscopy, or non-invasively through a breath test, stool test, or blood test. Our clinics offer comprehensive gastric ulcer diagnosis in Dubai, including quick and accurate H. pylori testing.
Additional tests if needed: In some cases, other imaging tests might be used. Your doctor will recommend what’s appropriate based on your situation.

Treatment Options for Peptic Ulcer Disease

Treating a peptic ulcer aims to relieve symptoms, heal the ulcer, and prevent it from coming back. HealthHub Clinics in Dubai provides evidence-based peptic ulcer treatments, focusing on non-surgical therapies for most patients. Our approach is individualized, but generally, treatment may include:

Medications/ antibiotics: Depending on the condition and stage of the peptic ulcer, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications. These medications aim to reduce stomach acid, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments: This might include avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, since both can hinder ulcer healing; to avoid or reduce the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen; to steering clear of foods and drinks that worsen your symptoms – like very spicy foods, excessive caffeine, or acidic juices. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can be beneficial as well, because stress might exacerbate ulcer symptoms for some individuals.
Monitoring and follow-up: Peptic ulcer treatment in Dubai at HealthHub Clinics doesn’t end with just prescribing medicine. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. This follow-up is important to confirm healing and to rule out other issues.
Advanced interventions (if required): If an ulcer has caused complications like bleeding, our gastroenterologists can often treat it during an endoscopy by sealing the bleeding vessel. Only in rare and severe cases (for example, a perforated ulcer or a persistent ulcer that doesn’t heal with standard therapy) would surgery be considered. If surgery is needed, we coordinate care with experienced surgeons to resolve the issue safely.

Take the first step toward healing – schedule an appointment with a stomach ulcer specialist at HealthHub Clinics in Dubai. We’re dedicated to helping you live free from ulcer pain and get back to enjoying your meals and daily activities with comfort and peace of mind.

Why Choose HealthHub Clinics?

Extensive Experience
Advanced Facilities
Affordable premium services
Trusted Al-Futtaim brand

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a peptic ulcer and how is it different from a gastric ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a broad term for an open sore in the digestive tract lining, usually in the stomach or duodenum. A gastric ulcer is simply a peptic ulcer located in the stomach, while a duodenal ulcer is in the duodenum. They share similar causes and symptoms, though pain patterns may differ slightly (stomach ulcers can hurt shortly after eating, duodenal ulcers often hurt on an empty stomach).

How do I know if I might have a peptic ulcer?

The most common sign of a peptic ulcer is a burning stomach pain that comes and goes, often felt when you haven’t eaten or at night. You might also experience bloating, heartburn, or nausea. Some people find that eating a little food or taking an antacid reduces the pain for a while. More alarming symptoms include vomiting blood or noticing dark, almost black stools – those could mean the ulcer is bleeding and you should seek medical attention immediately. If you have ongoing digestive discomfort or any of these symptoms, it’s wise to see a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Are peptic ulcers serious?

They can be if not treated. While many ulcers are not immediately life-threatening, complications can be serious. An untreated ulcer might lead to internal bleeding, which can cause anemia or severe blood loss. There’s also a risk of perforation (a hole in the stomach/intestine), which is a medical emergency, and obstruction (blockage due to swelling or scarring). The good news is that with proper treatment, most ulcers heal and complications are avoided.

Which specialist should I consult for a peptic ulcer?

You should see a gastroenterologist for peptic ulcer disease. Gastroenterologists are doctors specialized in digestive system conditions and are essentially stomach ulcer specialists. They can perform endoscopies, prescribe appropriate treatments, and manage any complications. At HealthHub Clinics, our gastroenterologists have extensive experience in treating peptic ulcers, ensuring you get expert care from diagnosis through recovery. It’s wise to consult a specialist if you suspect an ulcer or have ulcer symptoms, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan promptly.