Most cases of peptic ulcer disease are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are drugs such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Feldene, etc. A newer classification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is the COX II inhibitors.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally divided into COX 1 and COX II inhibitors, stands for cyclo-oxygenase. This is an enzyme, which is utilized, in the inflammatory process. Thus, non-steroidal will block this enzyme. COX I inhibitors, such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve etc. inhibit the COX I enzyme. Newer medications inhibit the COX II enzyme. By inhibiting the COX II enzyme there is a decrease in the incidence of peptic ulcer disease. These newer medications have been available for a short period of time. Their exact efficiency and other associated diseases are still being evaluated.
Complications of peptic ulcer disease include gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric outlet obstruction, perforation of an ulcer, penetration of the ulcer into the pancreas (inducing pancreatitis).
Treatment for peptic ulcer disease includes medications such as H2 receptor antagonists (Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine and Nizatidine) and proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec and Aciphex).
Surgery can be utilized for patients who have intractable peptic ulcer disease or who have complicated peptic ulcer disease.
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