Ulcer: Pathogenesis, prevalence and management

Abstract

Ulcers are a breach in the mucosa of the alimentary tract that extends through the muscularis mucosae into the submucosa or deeper. They can occur in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract exposed to the excessive amount of acid-peptic juices. Prevalence of peptic ulcer is approximately 11% to 14% for men and 8% to 11% for women during the age of 30 to 50 years. The occurrence of peptic ulcer is very rare above 60 years but produce death in 80% of cases. This review gives an overview of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevalence and management of ulcers.