gastrointestinal disorders
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Key Points
Peptic ulcers affect the stomach or duodenum and can occur at any age, including infancy and childhood. Most ulcers are caused byH. pyloriinfection or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use; both factors disrupt normal mucosal defense and repair, making the mucosa more susceptible to acid. Burning pain is common; food may worsen gastric ulcer symptoms but relieve duodenal ulcer symptoms. Acute complications include gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation; chronic complications include gastric outlet obstruction, recurrence, and, whenH. pyloriinfection is the cause, stomach cancer. Diagnose with endoscopy and do tests forH. pyloriinfection. Give acid-suppressing medications to eradicateH. pylori. 