PEPTIC ULCERS DISEASE

Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sore or ulcer in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small interstine.

                                     CAUSES

No single cause has been found for ulcers, but various causes are listed.

• Helicobactor pylori

PREDISPOSING FACTORS FOR PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

• Long term use of nonsteroidal ant- inflamatory drugs such as Aspirin, Ibubrufen etc
• Corticosteroids e.g Predinisolene
• Age (over 50 years)
• Alcohol use
• smoking
• Trauma resulting from physical stress i.e Severe burns, Surgery.
• Serious illness e.g, liver disease, kidney failure,

                                SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Heartburn (acid reflux)
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Non-cardiac chest

                         COMPLICATIONS

• Perforation in GI tract
• Obstruction(blockage) of GI tract
• Severe GI bleeding

                           TREATMENT OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

1. Helicobactor pylori infection requires antibiotics e.g., AMOXYLIN, CLARYTHROMYCIN, METRONIDAZOLE to destroy bacteria (Triple therapy).
2. Proton pump inhibitors (ppi e.g, Prilosec, omeprazole e
3. Histamine-2(H-2) blockers e.g., ulgicid

               PREVENTION

Avoid risk factors, Alcohol, Drugs i.e. Prednisolone, NSAID, smoking, stress.