PPU

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) refers to open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain. Peptic ulcers include:

• Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
• Duodenal ulcers that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)

Causes

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of aspirin and certain other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers, but they can make your symptoms worse.

Symptoms

Peptic ulcers do not always cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• A burning stomach pain
• Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
• Intolerance to fatty foods
• Heartburn
• Nausea

The most severe symptoms of peptic ulcers are:

• Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
• Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling faint
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of peptic ulcers involves a review of the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and possibly one or more of the following tests:

• Gastroscopy (also known as endoscopy)
• Tests for Helicobacter pylori
• X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Treatment

Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the cause. It may include medications to decrease stomach acid, such as:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2-receptor antagonists
• Antibiotics to kill H. pylori

In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Prevention

Preventive measures for peptic ulcers include:

• Avoiding the use of NSAIDs if possible
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Washing hands frequently to avoid infections

See Also

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Stomach cancer
• Helicobacter pylori infection