Peptic ulcer: Mini review with respect to case

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is erosion in lining of digestive tract, typically occurs in lower esophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum. Major forms are gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, caused by digestive action of stomach acid and pepsin. Causative agents mainly are infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or an excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Symptoms include epigastric pain that often cause awakening of patient at night, heartburn, loss of an appetite, weight loss and may lead to complications like gastric obstruction, perforations and bleeding. Elder patients with alarming symptoms should be referred for endoscopy, while younger patients with no alarm symptoms referred for H. pylori treatment. Discontinue NSAIDs use and if H. pylori present, treat infections with drugs. Surgery is also done in case of complications.