Peptic Ulcer Disease

PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

Peptic ulcer is the discontinuity in the mucosa of GI tract due to excessive gastric acid secretion. Most common sites for peptic ulcers are stomach and duodenum.

Common causes of peptic ulcers are:

  • H pylori infection
  • NSAID use
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Hypersecretory conditions like gastrinoma
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Cirrhosis
  • Renal failure
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Symptoms

  • Upper abdominal pain related to meals
  • Radiation of pain to the back
  • Vomiting of blood or black stool in case of bleeding from the ulcer
  • Severe pain abdomen in case of ulcer perforation

Diagnosis

  • Peptic ulcers are easily diagnosed on upper GI endoscopy
  • Biopsy is taken from gastric antrum for H pylori

Treatment

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)
  • H pylori eradication