Association between Smoking and Silent Peptic Ulcer Disease in the General Population of Kashmir

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the occurrence of silent peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in patients who smoke and try to define the relationship between the two. Methods: The study was carried out between 10 th January 2014 to 28 th November 2014 in the general surgical department of SMHS hospital in Srinagar, Kashmir. The patients with Smoking exposure of at least one pack-year, and current smoker, Negative serology for H. Pylori, No (or occasional) history of NSAID intake/ alcohol consumption were included in the study. The end point of the study was one year follow-up. Results: The evidence of peptic ulcer disease on endoscopy was found in 23 subjects, 19 of these occurred in male subjects while 4 were in female subject. Conclusion:Based on our study, we conclude that silent peptic ulcer disease is fairly common in smokers than previously thought, and the risk of acquiring it increases with increase in smoking exposure. We conclude that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be a routine at 10 pack-years of exposure irrespective of age. Also, PPI/H 2 blockers should be considered in smokers irrespective of symptoms.