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Peptic ulcer disease refers to open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers occur when the protective mucus layer that shields the digestive tract is reduced, allowing stomach acid to erode the tissue beneath. The two most common causes are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Peptic ulcers affect approximately 4 million Americans each year. If untreated, they can lead to serious complications including gastrointestinal bleeding (which may present as vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools), perforation (a hole through the stomach or intestinal wall), and obstruction (swelling that blocks food from passing through the digestive tract).
Dr. Jing Tong provides expert peptic ulcer diagnosis and treatment at his Flushing, Queens practice. Using HD gastroscopy, he can directly visualize ulcers, assess their severity, take biopsies to test for H. pylori and rule out cancer, and in cases of active bleeding, perform therapeutic endoscopic treatment to stop the bleeding -- all in the same procedure. His Johns Hopkins training and therapeutic endoscopy license make him uniquely qualified to manage both routine and complex ulcer cases.
Gnawing or burning pain between meals or at night
Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts
Persistent nausea, sometimes with vomiting
Vomiting blood or dark/tarry stools (emergency)
Unintended weight loss from reduced appetite
Heartburn, acid taste, or belching
Dr. Tong performs HD gastroscopy to visualize the ulcer, assess severity, and take biopsies for H. pylori testing and cancer screening. Non-invasive breath and stool tests may also be used.
If H. pylori is detected, Dr. Tong prescribes a targeted antibiotic regimen (triple or quadruple therapy) to eliminate the bacteria. Successful eradication dramatically reduces ulcer recurrence.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed to reduce stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal. Treatment typically lasts 4-8 weeks depending on ulcer size and location.
For bleeding ulcers, Dr. Tong's therapeutic endoscopy expertise allows him to stop bleeding using injection therapy, thermal coagulation, or hemoclip placement during endoscopy.
Dr. Tong schedules follow-up endoscopy for gastric ulcers to confirm complete healing and verify H. pylori eradication, ensuring the best long-term outcome.
World-class training in ulcer diagnosis, management, and endoscopic treatment of complications.
Therapeutic endoscopy license enables immediate treatment of bleeding ulcers without surgery.
English, Mandarin, and Shanghainese for clear communication with our Flushing community.
Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing -- accessible by 7 train, LIRR, bus, with nearby parking.
The two main causes are H. pylori bacterial infection (responsible for about 60-70% of cases) and long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers but can worsen symptoms.
Yes. With proper treatment -- H. pylori eradication antibiotics and acid-suppressing medication -- most peptic ulcers heal completely within 4-8 weeks. The key is identifying and treating the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.
Warning signs include vomiting blood (bright red or coffee-ground appearance), black or tarry stools, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. These are medical emergencies -- seek immediate care or call 911.
Endoscopy is recommended for patients over 55, those with warning symptoms (bleeding, weight loss, difficulty swallowing), or when initial treatment fails. Dr. Tong uses HD gastroscopy for precise diagnosis and can treat complications in the same procedure.
NSAIDs should be avoided if possible after an ulcer diagnosis. If you must take them for other conditions, Dr. Tong will discuss protective strategies such as concurrent PPI therapy and using the lowest effective dose.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jing Tong at our Flushing office for proper ulcer diagnosis and treatment.
