Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) refers to the presence of open sores, known as ulcers, in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. These ulcers can result from various factors, including infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Gastroenterology Department specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of peptic ulcer disease, aiming to alleviate symptoms, promote ulcer healing, and prevent complications.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer disease is abdominal pain, typically described as a burning or gnawing sensation that may occur between meals or during the night. Other symptoms may include bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss. In severe cases, peptic ulcers can lead to complications such as bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine wall), or gastric outlet obstruction (blockage of the stomach opening).

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease involves a combination of clinical assessment, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. Tests may include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD) to visualize the ulcer and obtain tissue samples for biopsy, blood tests to detect H. pylori infection, stool tests to check for the presence of blood, and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans to evaluate complications.

Treatment:

Treatment for peptic ulcer disease aims to relieve symptoms, promote ulcer healing, eradicate H. pylori infection if present, and prevent ulcer recurrence and complications. Therapeutic interventions may include medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production, antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori bacteria, histamine H2-receptor antagonists to decrease acid secretion, antacids to neutralize stomach acid, and cytoprotective agents to protect the stomach lining. Lifestyle modifications, including avoiding NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking, and reducing stress, are also essential components of treatment. Peptic ulcer disease can lead to serious complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and gastric outlet obstruction, which may require urgent medical intervention. Monitoring for complications and assessing ulcer healing through follow-up endoscopic examinations and imaging studies are essential components of long-term management.

Prevention:

Preventive measures for peptic ulcer disease include avoiding known risk factors such as NSAID use, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress. Patients with a history of peptic ulcers or H. pylori infection may benefit from preventive therapy to reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Multidisciplinary Care:

Managing peptic ulcer disease often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals. Collaborative care focuses on comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment plans, patient education, and ongoing support to optimize outcomes and quality of life.

 

What causes peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease can result from various factors, including infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.

 

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer disease is abdominal pain, typically described as a burning or gnawing sensation. Other symptoms may include bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss.

 

How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease involves a combination of clinical assessment, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD), blood tests, stool tests, and imaging studies.

 

What are the treatment options for peptic ulcer disease?

Treatment may include medications to reduce stomach acid production, eradicate H. pylori infection, protect the stomach lining, and relieve symptoms. Lifestyle modifications and preventive measures are also essential components of treatment.