Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis

Open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. The most common types are gastric ulcers (in the stomach) and duodenal ulcers (in the duodenum).

• Most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Other factors: Smoking, alcohol, stress, and spicy foods.

• Epigastric pain, often described as burning or gnawing, which may worsen at night or on an empty stomach.
• Other symptoms include bloating, belching, nausea, or vomiting.

• Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and allows for biopsy to test for H. pylori.
• Urea breath test, stool antigen test, and blood serology can also detect H. pylori.
• Imaging (e.g., X-ray with a barium swallow) can be used in certain cases.

• Antibiotics for H. pylori eradication.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists for acid suppression.
• Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding NSAIDs, reducing alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Perforation.
• Gastric outlet obstruction.

• Most common types of PUD are gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Patients often present with epigastric pain (burning), which may vary.
• Endoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis.
• Management involves lifestyle modifications, antibiotics (H. pylori) and PPIs.

Inflammation of the stomach lining – can be acute or chronic.

• H. pylori infection.
• Prolonged NSAID or alcohol use.
• Stress.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Bile reflux.
• Other factors: Ingestion of corrosive substances, infections, and certain foods.

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.

• Blood tests to check for anaemia, which can indicate chronic bleeding.

• Endoscopy with biopsy for the definitive diagnosis.
• Tests for H. pylori infection.

• Similar to PUD: Eradication of H. pylori, use of PPIs, lifestyle adjustments.
• Treatment depends on the specific cause (e.g., stop NSAIDs, treat autoimmune disorders).

• Chronic gastritis may be asymptomatic and may lead to ulcers or stomach cancer.

• Gastritis often presents with generalised upper abdominal pain and discomfort or may be asymptomatic (chronic).
• Endoscopy with biopsy is required for the definitive diagnosis.
• Management is similar to PUD, and depends on specific cause.