What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) refers to open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach, upper portion of the small intestine, or the esophagus. These ulcers occur when the protective mucus layer is eroded, allowing stomach acid to cause damage.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary causes of PUD include infection with
Helicobacter pylori bacteria and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). Other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and a diet high in spicy or acidic foods.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of PUD include burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting blood or having tarry stools. The pain often occurs between meals and may be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods or taking antacids.Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a
gastroscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach to visualize the ulcers. Other diagnostic methods include
urea breath tests and stool antigen tests to detect H. pylori infection.
Treatment
Treatment of PUD focuses on eradicating H. pylori (if present) and reducing stomach acid. This usually involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (
PPIs). Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding NSAIDs are also recommended.
Nursing Interventions
Patient Education: Educate patients on the importance of medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor for signs of complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
Pain Management: Provide pain relief through prescribed medications and recommend non-pharmacologic methods like relaxation techniques.
Nutritional Support: Advise on a balanced diet that avoids irritants such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol.
Prevention
Preventive measures include proper hand hygiene to reduce H. pylori transmission, avoiding excessive use of NSAIDs, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.Complications
If left untreated, PUD can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, perforation, and gastric outlet obstruction. These complications may require surgical intervention and can be life-threatening.Conclusion
Nurses play a critical role in the management and prevention of PUD through patient education, monitoring, and supportive care. By addressing risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, nurses can help reduce the incidence and impact of this condition.
