Peptic Ulcers

Question 1

What are peptic ulcers?

Answer 1

Breaks in the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum

Question 2

Which peptic ulcer is more common- gastric or duodenal?

Answer 2

Duodenal

Question 3

How do ulcers form?

Answer 3

1. Breakdown of the protective layers

2. Acid comes into contact with the epithelium

Question 4

What can predispose to ulcers?

Answer 4

• H.pylori

- Medications (steroids and NSAIDs)

Question 5

What can increase stomach acid?

Answer 5

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Smoking
• Spicy food

Question 6

How do ulcers present?

Answer 6

• Epigastric discomfort or pain
• N&V
• Dyspepsia
• Bleed (Haematemesis, coffee ground, melaena)
• Iron deficiency anaemia

Question 7

What does eating do for ulcer pain?

Answer 7

• Relieves duodenal

- Worsens gastric

Question 8

How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?

Answer 8

• Endoscopy

- CLO (Rapid urease test)

Question 9

How are ulcers medically treated?

Answer 9

PPI

Question 10

What are the complications of peptic ulcers?

Answer 10

• Bleeding
• Perforation
• Scarring and strictures (Pyloric stenosis)

Question 11

How does perforation present?

Answer 11

• Acute abdomen

- Peritonitis