Peptic Ulcer Disease†
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If you've been dealing with a gnawing, burning sensation in your abdomen — especially between meals or in the middle of the night — a peptic ulcer may be to blame. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine, and they're more common than most people realize. At Modern Human MD, Dr. Tran takes a whole-person approach to understanding why your ulcer developed and what it will take to genuinely heal — not just mask the discomfort.
Why People Choose Modern Human MD for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Root-cause evaluation — identifying whether H. pylori, NSAIDs, stress, or other factors are driving your symptoms
Integrative treatment plans that combine targeted therapies with gut-supportive nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Personalized care that goes beyond antacids to support real, lasting healing
Ongoing monitoring to reduce the risk of recurrence and catch complications early
Who It May Help
- You have a burning or gnawing stomach pain that comes and goes, especially when your stomach is empty
- You've been diagnosed with H. pylori and want a thorough, integrative treatment plan
- You take NSAIDs regularly for pain and are concerned about your stomach lining
- You've had an ulcer before and want to prevent it from coming back
- You experience nausea, bloating, or a feeling of fullness that disrupts your daily life
- Your symptoms haven't fully resolved with over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers
- You want to understand how your diet, stress, and gut health are connected to your stomach pain
What Causes Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers develop when the protective mucus lining of the stomach or small intestine breaks down, allowing digestive acid to cause damage. The two most common culprits are infection with a bacteria called H. pylori and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin. Chronic stress, smoking, and alcohol can also weaken the stomach lining over time and make healing harder. Understanding the underlying cause matters, because treatment looks different depending on what's driving the problem. Dr. Tran takes the time to identify your specific situation before recommending a plan — because treating the symptom without addressing the source rarely leads to lasting relief.
How We Approach Treatment
Dr. Tran's approach to peptic ulcer disease begins with a thorough evaluation — reviewing your symptoms, health history, medication use, and relevant lab work or testing for H. pylori. From there, she builds a care plan tailored to your situation, which may include targeted medical treatment, dietary adjustments to support gut lining repair, and strategies to reduce ongoing irritants. When H. pylori is present, appropriate antibiotic therapy is an important part of the plan. Beyond that, Dr. Tran may also look at how stress, sleep, and inflammation are affecting your gut — because healing an ulcer fully often requires addressing more than just the stomach itself.
Before Your First Visit
- ✓Note when your pain tends to occur — before meals, after meals, at night — and how long it has been going on
- ✓Make a list of any medications, supplements, or pain relievers you take regularly, including dosages
- ✓Think about any previous testing or treatments you've tried and how well they worked
- ✓Bring any relevant records, including prior endoscopies, H. pylori test results, or GI consultations
Important
Peptic ulcer disease can sometimes lead to serious complications, including bleeding or perforation, which require prompt medical attention. If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or dark or tarry stools, seek emergency care right away. Dr. Tran will help you recognize warning signs and understand when symptoms warrant urgent evaluation, so you're never left guessing about your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I know if my stomach pain is an ulcer or just acid reflux?
The two can feel similar, but ulcer pain often has a distinct pattern — a burning or gnawing sensation that tends to improve briefly after eating and then returns, or that wakes you up at night. Acid reflux more commonly causes a burning feeling that rises into the chest. Dr. Tran can help sort out what's actually going on based on your full symptom picture and, if needed, appropriate testing.
2Does stress actually cause ulcers?
Stress alone isn't typically the direct cause of a peptic ulcer, but it can contribute meaningfully. Chronic stress may increase stomach acid production, impair the gut's protective lining, and slow healing — all of which can make you more vulnerable to ulcers and make existing ones harder to resolve. It's one reason Dr. Tran looks at the whole picture, not just the stomach.
3If I test positive for H. pylori, does that mean I definitely have an ulcer?
Not necessarily. H. pylori infection is very common, and many people carry the bacteria without developing an ulcer. However, H. pylori is a significant risk factor, and if you're having symptoms, it's an important piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Dr. Tran will help you understand what a positive result means for your specific situation.
4Can diet help heal a peptic ulcer?
Diet alone won't cure an ulcer, but what you eat can support the healing process and help reduce irritation. Certain foods may aggravate symptoms — like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol — while others may help protect the stomach lining. Dr. Tran can offer practical, personalized guidance on nutrition as part of your overall treatment plan.
5Will I need an endoscopy?
Not always. Many peptic ulcers are diagnosed and treated based on symptoms and non-invasive testing. However, in some cases — particularly if symptoms are severe, don't improve with treatment, or if there are concerns about complications — an endoscopy may be recommended. Dr. Tran will help you understand if and when a referral for further evaluation makes sense.
6How does Modern Human MD handle payment for this type of care?
Modern Human MD is a direct-pay practice, which means all fees are discussed with you transparently before any services begin. There are no surprise bills, and Dr. Tran can walk you through exactly what to expect during your first consultation.
Stomach pain is a signal — and it deserves a real answer.
Dr. Tran takes a thorough, integrative approach to peptic ulcer disease — identifying the root cause, supporting genuine healing, and helping you feel better for the long term, not just temporarily.
Quick call • No obligation • Speak directly with our team