Peptic ulcer disease

Smoking, heredity, aspirin ingestion, and various diseases are associated with increased prevalence of peptic ulcer disease. Significant pathophysiologic differences between ulcer patients and normal subjects have been shown to exist, but many of the observed abnormalities are still poorly understood and require further study. Prospective studies are also needed to quantitate the role of psychologic factors in the pathogenesis of ulcer disease. Ulcer disease is diagnosed by history, physical examination, upper gastrointestinal radiography, and endoscopy. In some patients measurements of serum gastrin levels and gastric acid secretion at rest and after stimulation give significant information. Antacids and anticholinergics remain the primary therapeutic agents; new therapeutic agents are currently under study.