Peptic Ulcer Disease Research Paper Samples

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PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

INTRODUCTION:
Papadakis and McPhee (2015) describes peptic ulcer disease (PUD) as a breach in the integrity of the gastric or duodenal mucosal lining secondary to depressed protective gastric mechanisms or overriding obnoxious inciting agents such as acid or pepsin.
Historically, PUD has long been believed to be associated with stress or alcohol ingestion. This belief was proved wrong few decades ago and stress and alcohol ingestion are not implicated as etiologic factor for PUD making H.pylori infection the number one cause o0f PUD. PUD commonly occurs in duodenum and approximately 500,000 new cases are registered in the United States per annum with 4 million recurrences. Men are more prone to develop PUD than women and it can affect individuals from any age group but 30 to 55 years old individuals are at higher risk. Few agents have been postulated as the etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of PUD. Individuals who smoke or have a history of chronic Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use are supposed to develop PUD. Another important factor is Helicobacter Pylori infection that causes PUD.
The advent of Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has revolutionized treatment for PUD. NSAIDs should be stopped if history is suggestive of long use and antimicrobial triple regimen therapy for H.Pylori should be administered. Nursing care and good patient counseling and education is equally important for the good prognosis of the disease.

CONCLUSION:

PUD is a commonly prevalent disease and has the potential the affect the quality of life in affected individuals. Males are at more risk to develop this condition than females and it is affecting a great number of population in the United States and even worldwide. This has resulted in great number of hospitalizations and expenditure of revenue in anti-PUD medications.
The etiologic agents that are implicated in the pathogenesis of PUD are long-standing NSAIDs use, smoking and infestation of gastric mucosa with H.Pylori bacteria. Fortunately, newer drugs have played a pivotal role in the eradication of infective cause of PUD and availability of other analgesics have encouraged the cessation of NSAIDs in affected individuals.
Besides pharmacotherapy, other interventions are also warranted for a better outcome and prognosis. Patient should be thoroughly educated regarding their ailment. Proper balanced diet should be encouraged by incorporating professional help from dietitian. Another important factor is adequate hydration. Patient should be counseled regarding the benefits of pharmacotherapy, diet, hydration and other interventions suggested for improved prognosis.

REFERENCES

Papadakis, M., & McPhee, S. (2015). Gastrointestinal Disorders. In Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2015 (54th ed., p. 607). New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Medical.