Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Patient Education

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Peptic Ulcer Disease means having sores or open wounds called ulcers in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (called the duodenum). These ulcers can cause pain and other problems if not treated.

Causes and Risk Factors

Infection with a bacteria called H. pylori
Long-term use of pain medicines called NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin)
Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol
Stress and spicy foods can make symptoms worse but do not cause ulcers
Family history of ulcers
Other medical conditions, like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (rare)

Signs and Symptoms

Burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly, often between meals or at night
Bloating or feeling full
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Dark or black stools (due to bleeding)
Vomiting blood (may look like coffee grounds)

Early Warning Signs

Stomach pain that comes and goes, especially when your stomach is empty
Mild nausea or indigestion
Burning feeling in your chest or stomach area

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

Bleeding ulcers, which can be serious and cause vomiting blood or black stools
Perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine wall) causing severe pain and infection
Blockage of the digestive tract from swelling or scarring
Chronic pain and poor nutrition

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Take medicines exactly as prescribed to heal ulcers and reduce acid
Avoid NSAIDs and other irritants unless approved by your doctor
Eat smaller, more frequent meals if it helps with pain
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Manage stress with relaxation techniques

Common Medications

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid and help ulcers heal (e.g., omeprazole)
H2 blockers: Lower stomach acid (e.g., ranitidine)
Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain
Antibiotics: Used if H. pylori infection is present to clear the bacteria

Side Effects: Some medicines may cause headaches, diarrhea, or nausea. Tell your doctor if you have side effects.

Dietary Needs

Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods if they cause symptoms
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can irritate your stomach
Drink plenty of water

Lifestyle Changes

Quit smoking
Limit alcohol intake
Avoid NSAIDs unless doctor-approved
Reduce stress through exercise, meditation, or hobbies

Safety Considerations

Take medicines with food if directed
Do not skip doses of antibiotics or acid reducers
Report any signs of bleeding immediately
Attend all follow-up appointments

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Treat H. pylori infections fully to prevent ulcers returning
Avoid long-term use of NSAIDs when possible
Keep a food and symptom diary to identify triggers
Manage stress and maintain healthy habits

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

You have stomach pain that gets worse or lasts more than a few days
You feel nauseous or vomit often
You have black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
You have sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
You notice swelling or tenderness in your belly
You have side effects from medicines

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You vomit large amounts of blood or have black stools
You have sudden, severe stomach pain
You feel dizzy, weak, or faint
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
You have severe vomiting and cannot keep fluids down

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below. Circle True if the statement is correct or False if it is incorrect. If the statement is False, please write the correct answer.

True or False: Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or small intestine lining.
True or False: H. pylori bacteria can cause peptic ulcers.
True or False: Long-term use of ibuprofen can increase ulcer risk.
True or False: Stress causes peptic ulcers.
True or False: Burning stomach pain is a common ulcer symptom.
True or False: Drinking alcohol helps heal ulcers.
True or False: Proton pump inhibitors help reduce stomach acid.
True or False: Antibiotics are used if an H. pylori infection is found.
True or False: Black stools can be a sign of bleeding ulcers.
True or False: You should keep taking NSAIDs if you have ulcers.
True or False: Spicy foods can make ulcer pain worse but do not cause ulcers.
True or False: Vomiting blood is an emergency.
True or False: You can stop medicines early if your stomach feels better.
True or False: Smoking increases the risk of ulcers.
True or False: Drinking plenty of water helps with ulcer healing.
True or False: You should skip doctor visits if you feel fine.
True or False: Acid reducers and antibiotics must be taken exactly as prescribed.
True or False: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of ulcers.
True or False: You should report sudden severe stomach pain to a doctor right away.
True or False: You should avoid caffeine and alcohol with peptic ulcers.

Individualized Questions About Your Peptic Ulcer Disease

Have you been tested for H. pylori? What were the results?
What medicines are you currently taking for your ulcer?
Are you experiencing any side effects from your medications?
Do certain foods or drinks make your symptoms worse?
Have you had any episodes of vomiting or black stools?
Are you using any pain medicines regularly?
Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
How often do you have stomach pain?
Have you noticed any weight loss or appetite changes?
When is your next follow-up appointment?