Peptic ulcer disease

Question 1

What is the definition of peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?

Answer 1

Peptic ulcer disease refers to ulcers occurring in the stomach or duodenum.
Erosion of the mucosa
lining any portion of the G.I. tract. A circumscribed
ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa occurring
in areas exposed to acid.

Question 2

What are the causes of peptic ulcer disease?

Answer 2

Causes include loss of defense from acid action, increased acid production, H. pylori infection, parietal cell hyperplasia, cigarette smoking, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, duodenal reflux, delayed gastric emptying, and stress-related factors.

Question 3

What are the common presentations of peptic ulcer disease?

Answer 3

Common presentations include epigastric pain, characterized by a gnawing or burning sensation that occurs after meals, hematemesis (coffee ground vomitus), melena, anemia (iron deficiency), weight loss, gastric/duodenal perforation, pancreatitis, and gastric outlet obstruction.

Question 4

What are the symptoms and signs of complications of peptic ulcer disease?

Answer 4

Complications include hematemesis (coffee ground vomitus), melena, anemia (iron deficiency), weight loss, gastric/duodenal perforation, pancreatitis, and gastric carcinoma.

Question 5

What is the management approach for peptic ulcer disease?

Answer 5

Management includes endoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies such as double-contrast X-ray, removing risk factors (e.g., NSAID use), drug therapy with histamine 2 blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, and mucosal protectants, and eradication of H. pylori infection.