Peptic Ulcer Disease Flashcards
What is peptic ulcer disease?
A circumscribed ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa occurring in areas exposed to acid and pepsin and most often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.
PUD demographics?
Higher prevalence in developing countries
- H. Pylori is sometimes associated with socioeconomic status and poor hygiene
Describe duodenal ulcers?
duodenal sites are 4x as common as gastric sites
Epidemiology of duodenal ulcers?
- most common in middle age
- peak 30-50 years
- Male to female ratio—4:1
- Genetic link: 3x more common in 1st degree relatives
- more common in patients with blood group O
Risk factors for developing duodenal ulcers?
- associated with increased serum pepsinogen
- H. pylori infection common
up to 95% - smoking is twice as common
Epidemiology of gastric ulcers?
- common in late middle age
- incidence increases with age
- Male to female ratio—2:1
- More common in patients with blood group A
Risk factors for developing gastric ulcers?
- Use of NSAIDs - associated with a three- to four-fold increase in risk of gastric ulcer
- Less related to H. pylori than duodenal ulcers – about 80%
- 10 - 20% of patients with a gastric ulcer have a concomitant duodenal ulcer
What is a peptic ulcer?
A peptic ulcer is a mucosal break, 3 mm or greater, that can involve the stomach or duodenum
Contributing factors to PUD?
- H pylori
- NSAIDs
- acid
- pepsin
Aggressive factors in PUD?
- smoking
- ethanol
- bile acids
- aspirin
- steroids
- stress
Protective factors in PUD?
- mucus
- bicarbonate
- mucosal blood flow
- prostaglandins
- hydrophobic layer
- epithelial renewal
- Increased risk when older than 50 d/t decrease protection
Etiology of peptic ulceration?
In both types of peptic ulceration,
gastric and duodenal, there is an imbalance between secretion and neutralization of secreted acid.
1. In duodenal ulcers there is an oversecretion of acid
2. in gastric ulcers there is an impairment of mucosal protection
- When an imbalance occurs, PUD might develop
Pain of ulceration feels like?
”gnawing”, “aching”, or “burning”
Pain in duodenal vs gastric ulcers?
- Duodenal ulcers: occurs 1-3 hours after a meal and may awaken patient from sleep. Pain is relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting.
- Gastric ulcers: food may exacerbate the pain while vomiting relieves it
Subjective clinical features of PUD?
- Nausea
- vomiting
- belching
- dyspepsia
- bloating
- chest discomfort
- anorexia
- hematemesis &/or melena may also occur.
Note: nausea, vomiting, & weight loss more common with Gastric ulcers