[PATIENT WITH PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE]

Peptic ulcer disease is represented by a lesion in the mucosa of the digestive tract due to imbalance of its aggressive and protective mechanisms. The main external factors of the development of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are a common reason for visiting the family physician. All patients with symptoms of dyspepsia under the age of 50 and without the alarm symptoms should be tested whether H. pylori is present by performing the Urea Breath Test or stool antigene testing, and infection, if found, should be treated. Endoscopic examination is obligatory in patients older than 50 years and those with alarm symptoms. „Sequential therapy“ is recommended in Croatia as the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection, or triple therapy that comprises applying a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole. Four weeks after eradication therapy the control testing for H. pylori should be performed.