Peptic Ulcer Disease

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease, including duodenal and gastric ulcers, is associated with potentially life-threatening complications, including bleeding, perforation, and gastric outlet obstruction. Stomach lesions are located preferentially along the small curvature in the transition zone between the body and the antrum; in the duodenum those lesions are located in the duodenal bulb, where posterior lesions are usually associated with hemorrhage and the anterior ones with perforation. Peptic ulcer disease affects approximately 5–10% of the population worldwide and represents an important cost for public health. Peptic ulcers pathogenesis is complex and involves multifactorial processes, which basically occurs by an imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors of the gastric mucosa. Gastric mucosa is continuously exposed to harmful substances and factors, whether endogenous (acid secretion, peptic activity, and biliary secretion) or exogenous (Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol abuse, smoking habit, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) and stressful life habits.