In a systematic review of 31 published studies, the pooled incidence of uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was approximately one case per 1000 person-years in the general population, and the incidence of ulcer complications was approximately 0.7 cases per 1000 person-years. The incidence and prevalence of PUD vary based on the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Higher rates are found in countries where H. pylori infection is higher. The incidence of PUD in H. pylori-infected individuals is approximately 1 percent per year, a rate that is 6-to 10-fold higher than that for uninfected individuals.  A study in the United States reported an endoscopic prevalence of peptic ulcers in asymptomatic, H. pylori-positive adults of 2 percent.

A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. You may feel the pain anywhere between your belly button and breastbone.

The pain most often-

• happens when your stomach is empty—such as between meals or during the night
• stops briefly if you eat or if you take antacids
• lasts for minutes to hours
• comes and goes for several days, weeks, or months

Less common symptoms may include-

• bloating
• burping
• feeling sick to your stomach
• poor appetite
• vomiting
• weight loss

Serious signs/symptoms to look out for-

• feel weak or faint
• have difficulty breathing
• have red blood in your vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• have red blood in your stool or black stools
• have sudden, sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away

These symptoms could be signs that a peptic ulcer has caused a more serious problem. Even if your symptoms are mild, you may have a peptic ulcer. You should see your doctor talk about your symptoms. Without treatment, your peptic ulcer can get worse.

It is the cluster of components that helps the clinician diagnose a peptic ulcer. One is medical history, the medications the patient was taking, any recent travel, lifestyle choices, etc.

The next component is looking out for signs& symptoms which indicate that the person has a peptic ulcer is very important. Sometimes, tenderness is a very noticeable feature.

Lab tests can also be ordered, including blood tests, urea breath tests for H. Pylori, and possibly stool tests. For imaging Upper Gastrointestinal(GI), endoscopy and biopsy are important tests.

Upper GI endoscopy is very important to directly observe the epithelium of the stomach and duodenum. Sometimes, upper GI X-rays or computerized tomography (CT) scans are important to look out for any complications.

Several different medication therapies are available to help reduce gastric acid and coat the ulcers:

• Antacids neutralize gastric acid. The disadvantage is that you need to take a relatively large dose for them to be effective, and they can cause unwanted side effects like diarrhea.
• Histamine (H2) blockers reduce gastric acid by blocking the H2 receptors. These medications decrease acid secretion and are a relatively safe treatment option.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that block the three major pathways for acid production. PPIs suppress acid production much more effectively than H2 blockers. PPIs are the gold standard in medication therapy of peptic ulcer disease.
• Medications to protect and strengthen the mucous lining of the stomach
• Antibiotics to treat H. pylori if it is detected