Peptic ulcer history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  :Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]

The hallmark of peptic ulcer disease is an episodic epigastric pain which cause awakening at night. A positive history of epigastric pain, use of drugs like NSAIDs including aspirin which inhibit cyclooxygenase, use of antiplatelets,steroids and family history of peptic ulcer disease is suggestive of peptic ulcer disease. The most common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include episodic epigastric pain, heartburn, loss of appettite, gastroesophageal reflux, waterbrash, hematemesis and melena. Less common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include intolerance to fatty food.

Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. It provides insight into the cause, precipitating factors and associated comorbid conditions.

• A history of epigastric pain, dyspepsia, or prior peptic ulcer may suggest the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease.^[1][2][3]

• Prior use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is important because these patients have an increased risk of gastric ulcer and a fourfold risk of significant GI bleeding compared with other patients^[4]

• Helicobacter pylori infection is more common in low socioeconomic status and increased number of siblings^[5]
• Alcoholics also frequently have peptic ulcers or gastritis^[6][4]
• Cigarette smokers have a significantly higher rate of the recurrent duodenal ulcer as compared with nonsmokers ^[7][8]

• Family history of peptic ulcer disease increases the risk of peptic ulcer
• History of peptic ulcer disease in mother increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease in children

• The majority of patients with the peptic ulcer disease are symptomatic but some people do not show any symptoms,called as a silent ulcer.
• The hallmark of peptic ulcer disease:
  • Episodic gnawing or burning epigastric pain which occurs one to five hours after meals or on an empty stomach
  • Nocturnal pain relieved by food intake, antacids, or antisecretory agents^[2]
  • Chronic use of NSAIDs

Common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include:

• Episodic epigastric pain
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Waterbrash
• Indigestion
• Hematemesis
• Melena
• Loss of appetite

Less common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include:

• Intolerance to fatty food

Template:WikiDoc Sources