PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE
Description An ulcer is an open sore in the stomach or intestine. Peptic ulcer is as an excavation that forms in the mucosal wall of the stomach in the pylorus, in the duodenum or in the esophagus (Smeltzer et al, 2014). It is frequently referred to as a gastric, duodenal or esophageal ulcer depending on its location. It is defined by the erosion of a circumscribed area of the mucous membrane. Epidemiology Peptic ulcer disease accounts for approximately 10% of adult admissions into any health facility worldwide. It is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years, and uncommon in women of child bearing age. It has also been observed in children and infants. Duodenal ulcers account for about 80% of peptic ulcer diseases and occurs most often in males aged between 20 and 30 years. Gastric ulcer tends to occur in middle aged and the elderly over 50 years. The risk of peptic ulcer disease increases among chronic users of ulcerogenic drugs such as Non-Steroidal ...