Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is very common, affecting approximately four million people in India. The lifetime risk of developing a peptic ulcer is 10% for males and 4% for females. Although it may first appear in young adulthood, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older adults. Some patients will have complications from the disease. These complications include bleeding in 15-20% of patients, a 5% chance of perforation, and a 2% chance of obstruction from edema or scarring.
Although the complications of ulcers can be life-threatening, peptic ulcer disease tends to impair quality of life rather than shorten life-expectancy. Peptic ulcer disease is commonly treated with acid anti-secretory agents, mucosal protective agents, and medications to eradicate Helicobactor pylori. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be highly advantageous and effective as an adjunct therapy in reducing patient’s pain symptoms and improving their quality of life.
