EtiologyEtiology
A peptic ulcer is a mucosal break, 3 mm or greater, that can A peptic ulcer is a mucosal break, 3 mm or greater, that can
involve the stomach or duodenum. involve the stomach or duodenum.
The most important The most important contributing factorscontributing factors are are H pylori,H pylori,
NSAIDs, acid, and pepsin. NSAIDs, acid, and pepsin.
Additional Additional aggressive factorsaggressive factors include smoking, ethanol, bile include smoking, ethanol, bile
acids, aspirin, steroids, and stress.acids, aspirin, steroids, and stress.
Important Important protective factorsprotective factors are mucus, bicarbonate, are mucus, bicarbonate,
mucosal blood flow, prostaglandins, hydrophobic layer, and mucosal blood flow, prostaglandins, hydrophobic layer, and
epithelial renewal. epithelial renewal.
Increased risk when older than 50 d/t decrease protectionIncreased risk when older than 50 d/t decrease protection
When an imbalance occurs, PUD might develop.When an imbalance occurs, PUD might develop.