PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCUSSION:  By the end of the discussion, the reader/medical student will be able to;

1.  Outline the most common causes of peptic ulcer disease

2.  Describe the process involved in development of peptic ulcer disease

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE:  Peptic ulcer disease is caused by 3 main factor namely; 1)  Microbes specifically Helicobacter pyroli which contributes to more than 95% of the cases.

2)  Hypersecretion of gastric juice in the stomach which may lead to autodigestion of the protein portions of the stomach walls.

3.  Use of aggressive factors including but not limited to alcohol, smoking or use of Nicotine and tar.

The pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease is erosion of the mucus layer protecting the stomach from corrosive Hydrochloric acid co-produced with pepsin, and subsequent autodigestion of stomach walls leading to inflammation, followed by wounds and if not treated in time, perforation.  If you would like to read more about peptic ulcers management and treatment options, follow the links in the related section below.

RELATED;

1.  Helicobacter pyroli

2.  Nicotine

3.  Peptic ulcer disease

4.  Proton pump inhibitors