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Gastric Ulcer Doctor - Dr. Scott Liu
Dr. Scott is specialized in total care of gastric ulcers, in the form of advanced diagnostics and an individual approach in the PAN of the GastroDoxs in Houston. Our expert approach of providing long-term gastrointestinal health, fast healing, and lasting relief which is guaranteed by lifestyle changes and drugs, to the minimally invasive operations.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Helicobacter pylori infection
Long-term NSAID use (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
High stress levels
Family history of peptic ulcers
Signs and Symptoms
Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea or occasional vomiting
Bloating or feeling full quickly
Dark, tarry stools (sign of internal bleeding)
Diarrhea in some cases due to altered digestion
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Gastric Ulcer
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He assesses the symptoms like abdominal pain (burning upper), nausea, bloating, or early satiety. He examines risk factors such as the use of NSAID or aspirin, alcohol, smoking, stress, and previous experience of ulcers or bleeding.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A endoscope that is flexible is applied to inspect the lining of the stomach directly. Dr. Scott determines the presence, size, and location of ulcers, and performs biopsies to eliminate the possibility of infection or malignancy.
H. pylori Testing
Urea breath test detects active H. pylori infection by measuring labeled CO? in your breath after ingesting a test solution.
Stool antigen test confirms ongoing infection with high accuracy.
Biopsy during endoscopy may also be tested for H. pylori presence.
Blood Work
The lab tests can also include the complete blood count ( CBC ) to monitor the presence of anemia caused by chronic or microscopic bleeding, and also other tests to eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms.
Imaging Studies (if needed)
Ultrasound scans to check on other reasons of upper abdominal pain including gallbladder or liver problems.
In the event of suspect of complications such as perforation, obstruction, and deep ulceration, CT scan might be ordered.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gastric ulcers.
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Intervention
Foods that are gastric ulcer friendly: lean meat, cooked vegetables, whole grains.
Foods to avoid: spicy food, caffeine, citrus, liquor.
Eat small frequent meals (after every 3-4 hours).
Give up smoking and reduce stress.
2. Medications
To counteract stomach acid, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used.
H2 blockers for milder cases
Antibiotics to eliminate infection of H. pylori.
Quick symptom relievers in the form of antacids.
3. Minimal or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic treatment in order to control or prevent bleeding.
Intravenous care of non-healing severe ulcers or severe ulcers.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should it take a gastric ulcer to recover?
With appropriate medication, most of the patients begin to experience improvement after 2-4 weeks.
Is stress a factor that leads to gastric ulcer?
Stress by itself would not normally result in ulcers, but would retard recovery and aggravate the symptoms.
What should I do to know whether I am infected with H. pylori or not?
A breath or stool test will be ordered to prove H. pylori to Dr. Scott.
Is it possible that gastric ulcers induce diarrhea?
Yes. Inflow bowel habit of some individuals may alter with ulcer related inflammation.
What foods are to be avoided in case of a gastric ulcer?
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and food of high acids.
Do non-drugs have treatment of ulcers?
Yes. Change in diet, coping with stress, and probiotics can facilitate recovery.
What is the ICD-10 code of gastric ulcer?
There are codes that vary between K25.0 (acute with hemorrhage) to K25.9 (unspecified).
