Peptic Ulcers
Ily Hernandez, Julene
Description
Peptic ulcers are a defect in the lining of the stomach or the first part the small intestine, causing discomfort.
Signs/Symptoms
Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting blood, waterbrash, heartburn, burning pain in the stomach.
Cause of the disease
Chronic inflammation due to Helicobacter pylori that colonizes the antral mucosa. However, it is now clear that it is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum.
Diagnosis
Based on the characteristic symptoms; specific tests and observations tell whether the symptoms resolve, indicating that their primary diagnosis was accurate.
Treatment
Younger patients: Treated with antacids or H2 antagonists before EGD is undertaken.
Most effective treatments are combinations of 2 antibiotics and 1 proton pump indicator, as well as additional medications to reduce stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid by blocking the action of the parts of cells that produce acid.
Prognosis
When the cause for peptic ulcer disease is successfully treated, the prognosis for patients with the condition is excellent.
Refrences
"Peptic Ulcer". Medline Plus National Institution of Health. April 10, 2014
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000206.htm
"Gastrolab". Kolumbus.fi. 02-27-14