Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer is usually a non-malignant ulcer of the stomach (called gastric ulcer) or duodenum (called duodenal ulcer). About 4 % of gastric ulcers are caused by malignant tumour, which is why ulcers of stomach are controlled. Duodenal ulcers are non-malignant. By far most instances are now known to be due to Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the acid environment of the stomach. These ulcers can also be caused or worsened by drugs such as Aspirin and other NSAIDs.

Epidemiology

In Western countries the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections roughly matches age (i.e., 20% at age 20, 30% at age 30, 80% at age 80 etc). Prevalence is higher in third world countries. Transmission is by food and human contact, sharing food utensils etc.

Related Topics:
Prevalence - Helicobacter pylori - Infection - Third world

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A minority of cases of Helicobacter infection will eventually lead to an ulcer and a larger proportion of people will get non-specific discomfort, abdominal pain or gastritis.

Related Topics:
Abdominal pain - Gastritis

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