Last updated: 02/17/2009

Peptic ulcer disease develops when there is an imbalance between normal conditions that protect the lining (mucosa) of the stomach and the intestines and conditions that disrupt normal functioning of the lining. Protective factors include the water-soluble...

mucosal gel layer, the production of bicarbonate in the lining to balance acidity, the regulation of gastric acid (stomach acid) secretion, and blood flow in the lining. The aggressive factors that work against this protective gastric-wall system are excessive acid production, H. pylori bacterial infection, and a reduced blood flow (ischemia) in the mucosal lining. These aggressive factors can cause inflammation and ulcer development. A peptic ulcer is a type of sore or hole (perforation) that forms on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or intestine (duodenal ulcer), when the lining has been eaten away by stomach acid and digestive juices. Peptic ulcers can be primary, caused by H. pylori infection, or secondary, caused by excess acid production, stress, use of medications, and other underlying conditions that disrupt the gastric environment. Although H. pylori is believed to cause the majority of all ulcers, not all people infected with it develop ulcers. In high-risk individuals, the bacteria more readily disturb the balance between good factors and destructive factors, upsetting the protective function of the stomach and intestine lining. An ulcer develops when the lining can no longer protect the organs. Secondary ulcers are usually found in the stomach; primary ulcers can be in the stomach or intestine.

Other factors that contribute to mucosal inflammation and ulceration include:

• alcohol and caffeine use
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• aspirin
• cigarette smoking
• exposure to certain irritating chemicals
• emotional disturbances and prolonged stress

• traumatic injuries and burns
• respiratory failure
• blood poisoning
• critical illnesses that create imbalances in body chemistry

Symptoms of gastric or peptic ulcer include burning pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, and losing weight.

When PUD is diagnosed or high risk established, medical treatment will begin to treat H. pylori infection if present and to restore balanced conditions in the mucosal lining. Any underlying condition may be treated simultaneously, including respiratory disorders, fluid imbalance, or stomach and digestive disorders. Medications may be prescribed to help correct gastric disturbances and control gastric acid secretion. Certain drugs that are prescribed for other conditions, especially NSAIDs, may be discontinued if they are known to cause inflammation. Adult patients may be advised to discontinue alcohol and caffeine use and to stop smoking.

When medical treatment alone is not able to improve the conditions that cause PUD, a pyloroplasty procedure may be recommended, particularly for patients with stress ulcers, perforation of the mucosal wall, and gastric outlet obstruction. The surgery involves cutting the pylorus lengthwise and resuturing it at a right angle across the cut to relax the muscle and create a larger opening from the stomach into the intestine. The enlarged opening allows the stomach to empty more quickly. A pyloroplasty is sometimes done in conjunction with a vagotomy procedure in which the vagus nerves that stimulate stomach acid production and gastric motility (movement) are cut. This may delay gastric emptying and pyloroplasty will help correct that effect.