Stomach Ulcers & H. Pylori Specialist

Gastro Center of Maryland -  - Gastroenterologist

Gastro Center of Maryland

Gastroenterologists located in Annapolis, MD, Columbia, MD, Riverdale, MD, & Olney, MD

The Gastro Center of Maryland serves patients from all communities in Maryland. Dr. Pia Prakash, Dr. Josh Rosenbloom, Dr. Eduardo Castillo, and Dr. Dado Xu help patients with stomach ulcers and H. Pylori infections through individualized treatment plans and integrative nutrition options.

Stomach Ulcers & H. Pylori Q & A

What is H. Pylori?

Pylori is a bacteria that can be found in the stomach. This spiral shaped bacteria can attack the lining of the digestive tract causing ulcers in the stomach and small bowel. If left untreated and allowed to duplicate, the inflammation worsens and the possibility of stomach cancer increases. There are multiple ways to diagnose an infection with H.Pylori. If present, H. Pylori is treated with antibiotics. The other major cause of stomach and small bowel ulcers is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin.

Can stress cause stomach ulcers?

Stress causes an increase in the amount of acid in the stomach but it does not cause ulcers unless the H. Pylori bacteria or NSAIDs have already started to damage the lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers cause a burning sensation in the upper abdomen that may dissipate after a person eats. This pain can often flare up in the middle of the night, causing extreme discomfort and disrupt sleep.

How are stomach ulcers treated?

Stomach ulcers that are the direct result of the H. Pylori bacteria are treated with antibiotics. If you are diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and are taking NSAIDs, you will be asked to stop those medications to allow the ulcer to heal. Medications that control the amount of acid in the stomach are often used as well. H2 blockers stop the stomach from making too much stomach acid. The cells that actually produce the stomach acid can be blocked with the use of proton pump inhibitors. Antacids are also used to break down existing stomach acid that has already been produced. Doctors also recommend eliminating the use of tobacco and alcohol. Both can irritate the stomach, increasing the risk of ulcers and lesions.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At Gastro Center of Maryland, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept.

Click HERE for the Full Insurance List, or contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.

Contact us!

AARP
Aetna
Allied Benefit Systems
Amerigroup
Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareFirst
CHAMPVA
Cigna
CoreSource
Corvel
GHI
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Humana
Maryland Physicians Care
Mutual of Omaha
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