Gastric Diseases: Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease
Start with the big picture
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining: acute disease is characterized mainly by neutrophils, while chronic disease has a mononuclear infiltrate. Triggers of acute gastritis include NSAIDs, alcohol, severe physiologic stress, and other sources of mucosal injury. Chronic disease commonly follows H. pylori infection or autoimmune damage, with distinct patterns and potential complications. Peptic ulcer disease involves a mucosal defect extending beyond the muscularis mucosae, arising when aggressive influences such as acid, pepsin, H. pylori, or NSAIDs outweigh mucosal defenses. Duodenal and gastric ulcers differ in typical associations, pain patterns, and complications. The lesson also introduces diagnostic approaches and the role of acid suppression and H. pylori treatment.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish acute from chronic gastritis by inflammatory pattern and common causes.
- Compare H. pylori-associated and autoimmune gastritis, including their complications.
- Explain the imbalance between mucosal injury and defense in peptic ulcer disease.
- Differentiate gastric and duodenal ulcers by typical features and complications.
- Identify diagnostic approaches and broad treatment strategies for gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
