Peptic ulcers

Question 1

What are the two types of peptic ulcer? Which is more common?

Answer 1

• Gastric ulcer

- Duodenal ulcer (more common)

Question 2

Give two causes of peptic ulcers

Answer 2

• H. pylori

- Medications, e.g. NSAIDs, steroids

Question 3

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

Answer 3

• Dyspepsia
• Epigastric pain
• Bleeding causing haematemesis

Question 4

How does the pain change with eating with the different types of peptic ulcer?

Answer 4

Eating typically worsens the pain with gastric ulcers and improves the pain with duodenal ulcers

Question 5

Describe the investigation and diagnosis of a suspected peptic ulcer

Answer 5

Endoscopy

Question 6

Describe the management of peptic ulcers

Answer 6

High dose PPI

Question 7

What are the potential complications of a peptic ulcer?

Answer 7

• Bleeding
• Perforation
• Scarring and strictures (pyloric stenosis)