Peptic ulcer refers to a lesion located in either the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the duodenum (small intestine) . In general, ulcers occur whenever there is an increase in acid secretion or a decrease in mucosal resistance. Mucosal injury in the acid peptic diseases includes gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastroesophageal refl ux disease, which are mediated by gastric acid. Hydrochloric acid is secreted by parietal cells in the body of the stomach. It is regulated by adjacent endocrines, such as gastrin, or by histamine, somatostatin, and prostaglandin E2. Gastrin is a relatively weak stimulant of the parietal cells. It acts primarily to cause the release of histamine, which is the most potent stimulus of acid secretion, and acts as the common mediator. Histamine antagonists inhibit acid secretion that is stimulated by gastrin and acetylcholine, as well as histamine. There are a number of causes of peptic ulcer, including:
- Family history
- Smoking tobacco
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Stress
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Blood group O
- Anti-infl ammatory drugs (aspirin, NSAIDs, and glucocorticoids)
A wide variety of prescription and OTC medications are available for the treatment of peptic ulcer. These drugs include: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics. Antibiotics treat peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori
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