Knowra Peptic ulcer disease Peptic ulcer disease Peptic ulcer disease is a condition marked by open sores in the stomach or duodenum. Most cases arise from Helicobacter pylori infection or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Helicobacter pylori : A bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. This infection is a leading cause of peptic ulcers and can persist beneath the stomach’s protective mucus.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy : A procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Endoscopy can directly show ulcers, obtain biopsies, and help assess bleeding or suspicious lesions.
Gastric ulcer : An open sore in the lining of the stomach. This is the stomach-located form of peptic ulcer disease and may need biopsy to exclude cancer.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease : A chronic condition in which stomach contents reflux into the esophagus and cause troublesome symptoms or injury. Reflux usually affects the esophagus, whereas peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or duodenum.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug : A class of medicines that relieve pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Prolonged use weakens stomach and duodenal defenses by reducing protective prostaglandins.
Urea breath test : A noninvasive test that detects active H. pylori infection through labeled carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. It can confirm infection and verify eradication after treatment.
Duodenal ulcer : An open sore in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This common form often occurs in the duodenal bulb and is strongly associated with H. pylori.
Gastritis : Inflammation of the stomach lining, which may be acute or chronic. Gastritis can share causes and symptoms with ulcers but does not necessarily involve an open sore.
Gastric mucosal barrier : The mucus, bicarbonate, epithelial cells, and blood flow that protect the stomach lining from injury. Ulcers form when this protective system cannot withstand acid, pepsin, infection, or medication injury.
Stool antigen test : A test that detects H. pylori proteins in a stool sample. It offers another way to diagnose active infection and check whether treatment cleared it.
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