NSAID-induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Deleterious Connection

Gastric ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage have become a common public health problem, and several studies have established chronic NSAID usage to be one of the risk factors for the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers in patients. This review includes numerous articles that link NSAID usage with peptic mucosal erosion, especially among patients under anticoagulant therapy or with other risk factors. Risk factors for NSAID-induced peptic ulcers are reviewed, in addition to pathogenesis, clinical signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatments. We also emphasize effective methods for the prevention and management of peptic ulcers among NSAID users. Such methods include the use of selective Cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors as an alternative to aspirin or other Cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1) inhibitors, or using the lowest dosage possible in patients with other comorbidities. We have conducted a thorough review of the literature on diagnostic tests and alternative medication that can be used in the management of NSAID toxicity-induced ulcers.