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| | #REDIRECT [[Peptic ulcer]] |
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| == Overview ==
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| • Most ulcers are caused by an infection, not spicy food, acid or stress.
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| • The most common ulcer symptom is burning pain in the stomach.
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| • Your doctor can test you for H. pylori infection.
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| • Antibiotics are the new cure for ulcers.
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| • Eliminating H. pylori infections with antibiotics means that your ulcer can be cured for good.
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| Also known as:
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| Peptic Ulcer Disease | |
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| ===== References =====
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| http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/
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| == Epidemiology and Demographics ==
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| Approximately two-thirds of the world's population is infected with H. pylori. In the United States, H. pylori is more prevalent among older adults, African Americans, Hispanics, and lower socioeconomic groups.
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| Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from peptic ulcer disease at some point in their lifetime. Each year there are 500,000 to 850,000 new cases of peptic ulcer disease and more than one million ulcer-related hospitalizations.
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| ===== References =====
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| http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/keytocure.htm
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| http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/keytocure.htm
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| == Pathophysiology & Etiology==
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| Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that is found in the gastric mucous layer or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. H. pylori causes more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers. Before 1982, when this bacterium was discovered, spicy food, acid, stress, and lifestyle were considered the major causes of ulcers. The majority of patients were given long-term medications, such as H2 blockers, and more recently, proton pump inhibitors, without a chance for permanent cure. These medications relieve ulcer-related symptoms, heal gastric mucosal inflammation, and may heal the ulcer, but they do NOT treat the infection. When acid suppression is removed, the majority of ulcers, particularly those caused by H. pylori, recur. Since we now know that most ulcers are caused by H. pylori, appropriate antibiotic regimens can successfully eradicate the infection in most patients, with complete resolution of mucosal inflammation and a minimal chance for recurrence of ulcers.
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| ===== References =====
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| http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/keytocure.htm
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| === History and Symptoms ===
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| The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or burning pain in the epigastrium. This pain typically occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals and in the early morning hours, but it can also occur at other times. It may last from minutes to hours and may be relieved by eating or by taking antacids. Less common ulcer symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Bleeding can also occur; prolonged bleeding may cause anemia leading to weakness and fatigue. If bleeding is heavy, hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena may occur.
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| ===== References =====
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| http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/keytocure.htm
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| == Acknowledgements ==
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| The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.
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| {{SIB}}
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| [[Category:DiseaseState]]
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| [[Category:Infectious disease]]
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| [[Category:Gastroenterology]]
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| {{WikiDoc Sources}}
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