Peptic Ulcer Disease
Alternate Names : Gastric Ulcer, Stomach Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention of peptic ulcer disease includes:
avoiding alcohol and tobacco
avoiding or limiting use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs
taking enteric-coated aspirin with meals, if aspirin is needed daily
Certain conditions cause a high risk of developing peptic ulcer disease. People with these conditions may be given medicine to prevent ulcers. For example, burn victims are commonly given medicine to prevent ulcers.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Untreated peptic ulcer disease may cause a hole in the digestive tract. It may also cause bleeding, inflammation, or abnormal connections between abdominal organs.
What are the risks to others?
Peptic ulcer disease is not contagious, and poses no risk to others.
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