Sign in to your account
or
By signing in you agree to our
Terms & conditions
 and 
Privacy policy
Peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcer disease

Dr. Sakshi Sharma
Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS
Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)
Also known as Peptic ulcer, PUD, Stomach ulcer, Gastric ulcer, Duodenal ulcer and Esophageal ulcer
Overview

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition in which one or more sores or ulcers develop on the lining of the stomach, beginning of the small intestine (duodenum) or lower part of the food pipe (esophagus). Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the digestive tract from the erosive effect of digestive acids. But many factors can reduce or damage this protective lining, allowing stomach acid to dissolve this lining, and thereby causing ulcers.

Peptic ulcers are fairly common. Worldwide, it is estimated that up to 10 percent of adults are affected by it at least once in their lifetime. In most cases, PUD occurs due to a bacterial infection (H. pylori)  or due to the excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that damage the digestive system. Symptoms of peptic ulcers include stomach ache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment of peptic ulcers is focussed on lowering stomach acid levels to aid in healing of ulcer, or eliminating the H. pylori infection. The medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to help reduce stomach acid and antibiotics to help fight infections.

Close TOC
Overview
Key Facts
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Prevention
Specialist to visit
Treatment
Home-care
Complications
Alternatives therapies
Living with
FAQs
References