Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 10% of the population in the United States. Ulceration of the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract develops when the natural balance between gastric acid production and mucosal defense mechanisms is altered. Recent association of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection with PUD and the availability of endoscopy have revolutionized our ability to diagnose and treat the disease in the majority of patients. Other contributing factors include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, cancer, steroid use, tobacco use, severe physiologic stress from burns (Curling’s ulcers), head injury (Cushing’s ulcers), surgery or critical illness, and hypersecretory conditions such as a gastrinoma or antral G-cell hyperplasia.