Peptic Ulcer Disease Quiz

Overview of Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a group of ulcerative disorders in the upper gastrointestinal tract that require acid and pepsin for formation.
• The three main causes of PUD are Helicobacter pylori infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and stress-related mucosal damage.
• The pathophysiology of PUD depends on the balance between aggressive factors (gastric acid and pepsin) and protective factors (mucosal defense and repair).
• Gastric ulcers, erosions, and gastritis can occur anywhere in the stomach, while most duodenal ulcers occur in the first part of the duodenum.
• H. pylori infection causes gastric mucosal inflammation, while NSAIDs cause gastric mucosal damage by inhibiting endogenous mucosal prostaglandin synthesis.
• Corticosteroids alone do not increase the risk of ulcer or complications, but their use with NSAIDs doubles the risk.
• Cigarette smoking is linked to PUD, impaired ulcer healing, and ulcer recurrence.
• Psychological stress does not cause PUD, but it may worsen symptoms in ulcer patients.
• Carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, beer, milk, and spices may cause dyspepsia but do not increase PUD risk.
• The most common symptom of PUD is abdominal pain, often described as burning and relieved by antacids. Pain from duodenal ulcers is usually relieved by food, while food may worsen pain in gastric ulcers.
• Other symptoms of PUD include heartburn, belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
• Ulcer complications include upper GI bleeding, perforation, penetration into adjacent structures, and gastric outlet obstruction. Symptoms vary depending on the complication.