Peptic Ulcers Flashcards
1
Q
What are peptic ulcers?
A
Breaks in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum
2
Q
Which peptic ulcer is more common- gastric or duodenal?
A
Duodenal
3
Q
How do ulcers form?
A
- Breakdown of the protective layers
2. Acid comes into contact with the epithelium
4
Q
What can predispose to ulcers?
A
- H.pylori
- Medications (steroids and NSAIDs)
5
Q
What can increase stomach acid?
A
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Smoking
- Spicy food
6
Q
How do ulcers present?
A
- Epigastric discomfort or pain
- N&V
- Dyspepsia
- Bleed (Haematemesis, coffee ground, melaena)
- Iron deficiency anaemia
7
Q
What does eating do for ulcer pain?
A
- Relieves duodenal
- Worsens gastric
8
Q
How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?
A
- Endoscopy
- CLO (Rapid urease test)
9
Q
How are ulcers medically treated?
A
PPI
10
Q
What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
A
- Bleeding
- Perforation
- Scarring and strictures (Pyloric stenosis)
11
Q
How does perforation present?
A
- Acute abdomen
- Peritonitis
