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Peptic Ulcer Disease Introduction |
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Peptic ulcer
disease (PUD) is the term used
to indicate the presence of
erosions in the upper two layers of
the stomach (gastric ulcer), and the first segment of the
duodenum (duodenal ulcer). These lesions are usually several
millimeters to several centimeters
in size. Peptic ulcer disease is
caused by the hypersecretion of stomach
acids (HCL), chronic NSAID use, and
H.pylori. [1]
Stress, alcohol abuse, and
nutrient deficiencies are also
known contributors in the
development of peptic ulcer
disease. |
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Complications of peptic ulcer
disease include hemorrhage,
obstruction, and perforation. Peptic ulcer disease
is estimated to affect 10-12% of
Americans. It is four times more
common in men than in women. Duodenal
ulcers are more common than gastric
ulcers. An estimated 90% of
individuals with duodenal ulcers and
70% of individuals with gastric
ulcers test positive for H.pylori. [2]
Gastric ulcers are associated
more with NSAID use, than
the duodenal variety.
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Peptic Ulcer Disease Signs and
Symptoms
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Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease can
vary significantly from person to
person, and often depend on the
location of the ulcer. Many elderly patients with
peptic
ulcer disease present hardly any
symptoms. However, when
symptoms do occur, the most prominent
symptom is often pain. The timing of
pain onset helps delineate between a
gastric and a duodenal ulcer.
The pain can be
described as gnawing, burning,
cramp-like, ‘heartburn', or hunger
like pains. It is usually located
over the epigastrium (stomach area)
and can be relieved by certain foods
and/or
antacids. Pain from peptic ulcer
disease is recurrent and can become
chronic if left untreated or ignored.
Gastric ulcers
will have more of an inconsistent
symptom pattern, while duodenal
ulcers are very consistent,
regarding the specific timing of pain. Gastric ulcer
sufferers can have pain before
eating, as a result of eating, and
eating can also alleviate the pain
of a gastric ulcer. Patients with
duodenal ulcers will begin having
pain in the midmorning and it will
be relieved by food, only to appear
2-3 hours after eating.
Patients often complain that stomach
pains are keeping them up at night. [3]
Patients with peptic ulcer disease will have
a positive imaging of the ulcer on
x-ray or endoscopic exam. They
will also have a positive occult blood
test (blood in stool), which may
first be recognized as black or
tarry stools. They often suffer from tenderness
of the abdomen as well. [4]
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Learn More About
Peptic ulcer disease |
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