Dr V. P. Bhalla has more than 40 years of experience as a best Surgical Gastroenterologist in New Delhi. His expertise is Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy, Hepatitis, Liver Disease, Malabsorption, Pancreatitis, Liver Disease Treatment, Gastritis Treatment, Acidity Treatment, Gall Bladder (Biliary) Stone Treatment, and Peptic & Gastric Ulcer Treatment. He is associated with BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi.
After completing his MBBS and MS, he attained Fellowships from the International College of Surgeons, St Marks Hospital for Coloproctology in London, UK and Fellow Kaohsiung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan for Liver Transplantation.
He is an active member of several prestigious organisations, including the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract in the United States, the International Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Association in the United Kingdom, the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract in the United States, the International Diversity Task Force of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract in the United States, and the Journal of Clinical –Diagnostic Research.
Dr V. P. Bhalla has many years of work experience as a Senior Consultant with many hospitals, including BLK Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, Sitaram Bhartiya Institute of Science and Research in New Delhi, and Indian Spinal Injuries Center in New Delhi.
Know about stomach ulcers
The term 'peptic ulcer' refers to stomach ulcers caused by an excess of acid in the stomach. This comprises stomach ulcers as well as ulcers in the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers are more frequent than stomach ulcers.
The stomach secretes a powerful acid that aids digestion and protects against germs. It also secretes a thick coating of mucus to shield the body's tissues from this acid. If the mucus layer wears away and stops working properly, the acid can destroy stomach tissue, resulting in an ulcer.
What causes ulcers?
Stomach ulcers develop when the layer that shields the stomach lining from stomach acid wears away, allowing the stomach lining to get injured. This is usually the result of:
- Helicobacter pylori - This bacteria is estimated to be responsible for around 60% of stomach ulcers and at least 90% of duodenal ulcers.
- Aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), and other anti-inflammatory medications are frequently used (risk associated with this behaviour increases in women and people over the age of 60)
- cigarette smoking excessive alcohol consumption
- stomach cancer
- Excessive radiation therapy
Symptoms of stomach ulcers
The major sign of a stomach ulcer is pain, which can be felt around the stomach or somewhat higher up and is Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease can induce heartburn (GERD). It is felt in the bottom region of the chest and happens somewhat higher up from the stomach.
Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- weight loss
- burping
- Bloating
- bloody or dark stools
Treatment for ulcers
Mild-to-moderate ulcers are generally treated with medications.
Antibiotics. If you have an ulcer caused by H. Antibiotics can heal the ulcer caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Typically, the doctor may prescribe triple or quadruple therapy, which includes a combination of antibiotics and anti-heartburn medications.
Antacids. They may temporarily relieve your symptoms, but they do not cure ulcers. Antibiotics may be rendered ineffective if you take an antacid. Before using an antacid for peptic ulcer disease, see your doctor.
Bismuth. This medicine preserves the ulcer by covering it and shielding it from stomach acid. It can also aid in the elimination of H. infections caused by H. pylori Antibiotics are frequently prescribed by doctors.
Surgical treatments. The doctor may recommend surgery if you have a severe ulcer that keeps returning and isn't improving with treatment. If you have a bleeding ulcer, you'll need immediate surgery (also called a haemorrhaging ulcer). The surgeon will locate and repair the source of the bleeding (typically a tiny artery at the ulcer's base). A perforated ulcer, or holes in the stomach or duodenal wall, will require emergency surgery (the first part of your small intestine).
Surgical procedures include:
- removing the ulcer
- tying off bleeding blood vessels
- sewing tissue from another site onto the ulcer
- cutting the nerve that controls stomach acid production
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