Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Mucosal defect in gastric or duodenal wall extending through the muscularis mucosae
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Epigastric burning gnawing pain related to meals, dyspepsia, early satiety, nausea, melena (black tarry stool) if bleeding occurs.
Action
Breakdown of mucosal barrier defense against gastric acid and pepsin, predominantly mediated by Helicobacter pylori colonization or chronic NSAID inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 prostaglandins.
Clinical notes
Upper endoscopy (EGD) provides definitive diagnosis and biopsy. Management relies on PPI acid suppression and quad therapy for H. pylori eradication.