Peptic Ulcer Disease – Part 2
There are several conditions that are risk factors for the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). These include cigarette smoking and the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. It is not clear if significant alcohol intake contributes to ulcerogenesis. Diet and caffeine intake do not appear to be important.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include burning or or chronic, intermittent gnawing epigastric pain (abdominal pain just below the sternum). If the ulcer is in the duodenum ingestion of food sometimes will alleviate the discomfort. if the ulcer is in the stomach (gastric) ingestion of food may worsen the symptoms.
The differential diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease includes reflux esophagitis (GERD), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), acute cholecystitis, and gastric (stomach) cancer.
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