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Peptic ulcer disease.
1Department of Family Medicine & Geriatrics, Susan Samueli Center of Integrative Medicine, University of California, Irvine, 101 The City Drive, Building 200, #512, Orange, CA 92868, USA. winajm@uci.edu
Primary Care
|August 30, 2011
Summary
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), often caused by NSAIDs, frequently affects older adults. Symptoms like nighttime pain or non-specific epigastric issues, nausea, and vomiting are common in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a significant health concern, primarily linked to the extensive use of low-dose aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- The condition disproportionately affects elderly patients, particularly those with existing comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the typical presentation and key characteristics of peptic ulcer disease in the elderly population.
- To highlight the common symptoms that may deviate from classic presentations in older adults with PUD.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and patient presentations related to peptic ulcer disease.
- Analysis of symptom patterns in elderly patients compared to younger demographics.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of duodenal ulcer patients (two-thirds) experience nocturnal pain, typically between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- One-third of gastric ulcer patients also report similar nighttime pain.
- Older adults (over 80 years) with PUD frequently present with atypical symptoms, including epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting, rather than classic abdominal pain.
Conclusions:
- The widespread use of NSAIDs contributes significantly to peptic ulcer disease, especially in the elderly.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the atypical symptom presentation of PUD in older adults to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
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Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by mucosal excavation in the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. It can manifest as acute or chronic based on the extent and duration of mucosal involvement.
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
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