Sitting for long hours at the desk? Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Pushkar Chawla shares how to protect the back and spine Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:58:18 IST By Debapriya Bhattacharya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Poor posture at work can lead to problems with the back and the spine
A patient once told me that her blood sugar reading in the morning was higher than the one she had taken after dinner the night before. She hadn’t eaten a single thing. “How is this even possible?" she asked. “I haven’t had breakfast yet." That question comes up in my clinic almost every
Step inside the regal Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where a one-night stay will cost you ₹4 lakh: Watch Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:37 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A look inside the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad
Every year at about this point in the rains, the same sequence plays out. Outpatient departments fill with feverish patients, a city announces a jump in confirmed cases, television rediscovers the phrase “swine flu," and within a fortnight the anxiety has moved on to something else
‘Walking is one of the most underrated things’: Geriatric doctor says you don't need to join a gym to start exercising Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:52:55 IST By Eshana Saha Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Read more to find out why walking is an underrated form of exercise! (Unsplash)
Is It Just Heartburn? How A 47-Year-Old Missed The Warning Signs Of A Hidden Stomach Ulcer
Is It Just Heartburn? How A 47-Year-Old Missed The Warning Signs Of A Hidden Stomach Ulcer
Heartburn often begins as a familiar burning sensation after meals, which is easily dismissed as acidity, yet it can be the body's first hint that something more serious is going on inside the stomach. Life goes on, work schedules remain packed, dinners are attended, and sleep arrives as usual.
Yet, the data available across websites mentions the diseases associated with the ‘common heartburn.' This often leads to misinterpretation of symptoms and delayed diagnosis.
One of the common diseases which is misinterpreted and rarely announces itself is ‘stomach ulcer.' It is a condition often underestimated because its symptoms overlap with everyday digestive complaints.
Heartburn, stomach pain, indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and nausea are reported by many. A stomach ulcer, medically known as a gastric ulcer, causes focal pain and discomfort that can be traced to a particular spot.
It is likely that 1 in 10 people are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer in their lifetime, according to Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah. However, not all ulcers can be detected; some progress silently as well. This nature of ulcers is what makes them particularly dangerous. Many people continue their routines, unaware that persistent heartburn or unexplained back pain might be connected to a gastrointestinal issue.
A Diagnosis That Came Unexpectedly
For Rakesh (name changed), a Delhi-based Businessman, the symptoms did not immediately point to a stomach problem. The diagnosis came with heartburn, bloody urine, acid reflux, and back pain.
“Since I had a kidney stone operation, I thought it was normal," he says.
“There had been signs that indicated it could be a stone again. I went out for dinner with my family and slept like usual," he mentions. He was convinced it would pass. The next morning, Rakesh's routine was disrupted.
He noticed blood in his stool, a symptom that replaced denial with panic. Though he had visited doctors earlier for routine blood pressure checks, this felt different, “Something was clearly wrong," he recalls. He wasted no time and rushed to consult a gastroenterologist.
Symptoms Overlapped
Digestive disorders often appear with the same symptoms. Acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers and haemorrhoids can present overlapping symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and changes in bowel habits. This overlap frequently delays diagnosis, especially when patients think of symptoms as known conditions or lifestyle factors.
In Rakesh's case, the doctor suspected both ulcers and haemorrhoids based on his symptoms and medical history. For clarity and assurance, the doctor recommended endoscopy and colonoscopy. Before these procedures, initial tests were carried out, including BP check, blood test and LFT.
Preparation For The Procedures
The procedure for a colonoscopy can be physically demanding. Rakesh was instructed to begin preparation a day before the procedure. He was allowed to consume solid food only until 4 pm and then had to switch to the bowel preparation solution after 3 hours.
He mentioned that the doctor advised him to consume 4 bottles of the bowel preparation kit, 177 ml each. The solution is designed to cleanse the colon completely, ensuring clear visibility during the colonoscopy. The solution caused repeated loose motions, dehydration and intense weakness.
By the time the preparation was complete, Rakesh felt drained, both physically and mentally. “This step was crucial; without proper cleansing, important findings could be missed," Rakesh says. The following day, doctors performed both the endoscopy and colonoscopy. These procedures finally provided clarity.
The Real Cause Revealed
The diagnosis confirmed stomach ulcers. While alarming, there was also relief knowing that the condition was treatable with medication and lifestyle changes. The ulcers had likely been responsible not only for the stomach discomfort but also for the persistent heartburn and even the back pain, a symptom many do not associate with gastric issues.
By the time test reports arrived, Rakesh noticed some improvement. The back pain had eased significantly, offering reassurance that it was indeed linked to the ulcer. Doctors advised strict lifestyle modifications, which included managing acid reflux, monitoring blood pressure regularly, and strongly prohibiting alcohol consumption.
Swipe Left For Next Video
Rakesh's experience suggests that familiarity with pain does not make it harmless. Assuming that new symptoms are extensions of old conditions can delay diagnosis and treatment. A burning sensation after meals, persistent bloating, recurring heartburn or pain radiating to the back are signals worth investigating, especially when they persist or worsen.
Stomach ulcers may begin quietly, but they rarely resolve on their own. They demand attention, patience and lifestyle modifications. In a world where discomfort is often brushed aside in favour of productivity, the body's warnings deserve to be heard before a mild burn turns into a serious wound.
Heartburn, stomach pain, indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and nausea are reported by many. A stomach ulcer, medically known as a gastric ulcer, causes focal pain and discomfort that can be traced to a particular spot.
It is likely that 1 in 10 people are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer in their lifetime, according to Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah. However, not all ulcers can be detected; some progress silently as well. This nature of ulcers is what makes them particularly dangerous. Many people continue their routines, unaware that persistent heartburn or unexplained back pain might be connected to a gastrointestinal issue.
A Diagnosis That Came Unexpectedly
For Rakesh (name changed), a Delhi-based Businessman, the symptoms did not immediately point to a stomach problem. The diagnosis came with heartburn, bloody urine, acid reflux, and back pain.
“Since I had a kidney stone operation, I thought it was normal,” he says.
“There had been signs that indicated it could be a stone again. I went out for dinner with my family and slept like usual,” he mentions. He was convinced it would pass. The next morning, Rakesh's routine was disrupted.
He noticed blood in his stool, a symptom that replaced denial with panic. Though he had visited doctors earlier for routine blood pressure checks, this felt different, “Something was clearly wrong,” he recalls. He wasted no time and rushed to consult a gastroenterologist.
Symptoms Overlapped
Digestive disorders often appear with the same symptoms. Acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers and haemorrhoids can present overlapping symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea and changes in bowel habits. This overlap frequently delays diagnosis, especially when patients think of symptoms as known conditions or lifestyle factors.
In Rakesh's case, the doctor suspected both ulcers and haemorrhoids based on his symptoms and medical history. For clarity and assurance, the doctor recommended endoscopy and colonoscopy. Before these procedures, initial tests were carried out, including BP check, blood test and LFT.
Preparation For The Procedures
The procedure for a colonoscopy can be physically demanding. Rakesh was instructed to begin preparation a day before the procedure. He was allowed to consume solid food only until 4 pm and then had to switch to the bowel preparation solution after 3 hours.
He mentioned that the doctor advised him to consume 4 bottles of the bowel preparation kit, 177 ml each. The solution is designed to cleanse the colon completely, ensuring clear visibility during the colonoscopy. The solution caused repeated loose motions, dehydration and intense weakness.
By the time the preparation was complete, Rakesh felt drained, both physically and mentally. “This step was crucial; without proper cleansing, important findings could be missed,” Rakesh says. The following day, doctors performed both the endoscopy and colonoscopy. These procedures finally provided clarity.
The Real Cause Revealed
The diagnosis confirmed stomach ulcers. While alarming, there was also relief knowing that the condition was treatable with medication and lifestyle changes. The ulcers had likely been responsible not only for the stomach discomfort but also for the persistent heartburn and even the back pain, a symptom many do not associate with gastric issues.
By the time test reports arrived, Rakesh noticed some improvement. The back pain had eased significantly, offering reassurance that it was indeed linked to the ulcer. Doctors advised strict lifestyle modifications, which included managing acid reflux, monitoring blood pressure regularly, and strongly prohibiting alcohol consumption.
Rakesh's experience suggests that familiarity with pain does not make it harmless. Assuming that new symptoms are extensions of old conditions can delay diagnosis and treatment. A burning sensation after meals, persistent bloating, recurring heartburn or pain radiating to the back are signals worth investigating, especially when they persist or worsen.
Stomach ulcers may begin quietly, but they rarely resolve on their own. They demand attention, patience and lifestyle modifications. In a world where discomfort is often brushed aside in favour of productivity, the body's warnings deserve to be heard before a mild burn turns into a serious wound.
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
Source: News18
Related Posts: stomach ulcer, heartburn, gastric ulcer, peptic ulcer, acid reflux, digestive disorders, colonoscopy, endoscopy
There are few things as satisfying as biting into a buttery, flaky almond croissant, especially when you get that rich almond flavour, creamy frangipane filling and slightly crisp, toasted edges in every bite. But when a croissant craving hits and you don’t have a bakery run planned—or all the
11 hours ago
Erling Haaland debuts new buzz haircut after chopping his iconic blonde locks: ‘+999 missed calls from shampoo company’ Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 08:58:32 IST By Krishna Pallavi Priya Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Erling Haaland debuts a fresh, new buzz cut
11 hours ago
Parents should check medicine labels carefully before giving cough or cold remedies to young children. The Union Health Ministry has restricted all fixed-dose combination medicines containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride from being used in children below four years of
11 hours ago
Tandoori chicken should be smoky and seared on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside. But it can often turn out dry, rubbery and lacking flavour, even when you’ve used all the right spices. The problem may not be the recipe itself, but a few small mistakes during preparation and cooking
1 days ago
Want to know how healthy your heart is? Cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj lists 9 blood tests for ‘cardiovascular risk’ Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:34:50 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Dr. Bhojraj highlights nine blood tests to assess cardiovascular health
1 days ago
We tend to think of constipation as a plumbing problem: eat more fibre, drink more water, take isabgol and wait for things to move. For occasional constipation, that approach can be perfectly reasonable. But when constipation keeps returning despite these measures
1 days ago
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but its biggest known cause is persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which is closely linked to sexual transmission. While HPV itself is not caused by men
1 days ago
Chakra Horoscope Today, August 23, 2026: An obstacle does not necessarily mean you are on the wrong path Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:49:03 IST By Kishori Sud Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Chakra Horoscope Today, August 23, 2026 (Pinterest) Daily Chakra Horoscope, August 23
1 days ago
Dahi vade may not be the first dish that comes to mind when planning a Sawan Somwar vrat menu, but Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s fasting-friendly version gives the classic snack a clever twist. Instead of lentils, these vade are made with cooked barnyard millet, also known as sama or samak
1 days ago
59-year-old grandmother and Roadies 20 contestant Ashu Jain shares 5 hacks that helped her 'build gym habits that stick’ Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 10:12:34 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ashu Jain is not just a grandmother — she's a 'hybrid athlete'
1 days ago
Could artificial intelligence compress decades of medical progress into just a few years? Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei believes advanced AI systems may soon transform how we fight cancer, Alzheimer’s and other major diseases. Amodei has predicted that AI-enabled biology could compress 50 to 100
1 days ago
Look out of an aircraft window as it descends into Chennai and the coastline is the first thing that catches your eye. A long blue-grey edge against the city, with the sea on one side and the sprawling city on the other. From up there, it looks permanent
1 days ago
Soha Ali Khan, along with her husband Kunal Khemu, is known for setting couple goals through their fitness content. The couple have consistently shared videos showing their workouts in the gym, how they parent their kids together, the healthy food they eat without compromising on taste
1 days ago
As Onam 2026 approaches, here is our curated guide from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru covering everything from elaborate restaurant thalis to convenient takeaway sadya boxes. We consult chefs on how they are reimagining the traditional sadya; we ask celebrities how
1 days ago
Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating the special bond between siblings. This year, show your siblings how much you mean to them and make the occasion sweeter by making everyone’s favourite kalakand at home. If you are looking for a festive dessert that is indulgent yet skips refined sugar
1 days ago
Thirty-nine-year-old Shivendra came in with what looked like an ordinary monsoon fever. Fifteen days later, he was still in hospital, only being discharged now after being diagnosed with H1N1-related pneumonia. His wife, Poonam, said the family did not take the fever seriously at first. “Actually
1 days ago
Postpartum pain is NOT just ‘normal’: Physiotherapist Muskan Rastogi reveals all about pelvic floor recovery Postpartum recovery involves more than just pain management; it includes pelvic floor rehabilitation to restore strength and reduce discomfort for new mothers. Published on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug has been arrested in the US state of Texas on charges of driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a firearm. Allen County Police confirmed to BBC Newsbeat the 28-year-old, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was stopped on Friday
1 days ago
44-year-old fitness coach shares simple exercises that help her look ‘15 years younger’ Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 13:24:38 IST By Akanksha Agnihotri Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Fitness coach shares 4 simple exercises to improve posture and look more youthful. (Instagram/@sascha
2 days ago
The Madhya Pradesh Health Department has ordered a high-level medical and legal investigation after a 6 woman from Ujjain died following treatment at a private hospital in Indore. She had tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu
2 days ago
No food after 6 pm to boxing: Inside Dua Lipa’s fitness routine and fasting rules for toned body on her 31st birthday Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 14:11:05 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Dua Lipa turned 31 on August 22, 2026
2 days ago
The DJ dropped the beat and 70 women started throwing punches. By the time the first kickboxing combination was called out, Moon Bar, a Visakhapatnam club had shed its weekend persona to turn into a makeshift fitness floor, with women punching, kicking
2 days ago
A couple of years ago, when Osman Abdul Razak was being fitted for a suit by Yuki Igarashi, founder of Japan-based menswear brand Lecteur, he recalls being struck by how neatly Yuki’s pins were arranged on his pin cushion. “As an onlooker there, I couldn’t help but analyse this precision
2 days ago
Baro Market is coming to Chennai with a pop-up bringing together fashion, craft, art, accessories and lifestyle products, with a focus on conscious living and handcrafted design. Curated by Srila Chatterjee, the showcase marks her third pop-up in the city
2 days ago
Step inside ₹200 crore royal residence in Hyderabad: Shaped like a scorpion and home to 'world's longest dining table' Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 10:22:41 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The palace in the shape of a scorpion: Here's a virtual tour of the magnificent
2 days ago
On Fourth Trust Link Street at Santhome in Mylapore, a piece of vacant land cheek by jowl with a Greater Chennai Corporation-run middle school was being armtwisted every day into functioning as a garbage dumping spot by residents and passersby
2 days ago
Have high cholesterol? Nutritionist lists 9 heart-friendly cooking oil options Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 11:00:04 IST By Aayushi Gupta Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Cooking oils that may help manage cholesterol and support heart health
2 days ago
