Abstract

A REVIEW ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

Ruksana Rahim*, Athulyaraj S., Archana Vijai and Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcer disease continues to be a source of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately two-thirds of patients found to have peptic ulcer disease are asymptomatic. In symptomatic patients, the most common presenting symptom of peptic ulcer disease is epigastric pain, which may be associated with dyspepsia, bloating, abdominal fullness, nausea, or early satiety. Most cases of peptic ulcer disease are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or both. Timely diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and its sequelae are crucial in order to minimize associated morbidity and mortality, as is prevention of peptic ulcer disease among patients at high risk, including those infected with H. pylori and users of NSAIDs. Anti-peptic ulcer drugs like proton pump inhibitors, histamine 2 receptor antagonists, antacids, synthetic prostaglandins and cytoprotective agents are widely used.

Keywords: Peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori, NSAIDs, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention.