What does PUD mean in MEDICAL

PUD is typically caused by an imbalance between digestive acids produced by the stomach and natural protection mechanisms in the stomach and intestine walls. This can be due to many lifestyle-related factors such as stress, smoking, drinking alcohol or coffee excessively, or certain medications. Infection from certain bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori can also be a cause of PUD.

Symptoms of PUD may include abdominal pain or burning sensation (especially between meals and at night), appetite changes (including loss of appetite), nausea or vomiting, dark stools with a foul smell, bloating and burping after eating meals.

To diagnose PUD, doctors may order blood tests to check for signs of infection with Helicobacter pylori; take samples from inside your stomach using an endoscope; x-rays; ultrasound tests; or other imaging tests.

Potential treatments for PUD include lifestyle modifications such as changing diet habits (avoiding spicy foods), quitting smoking and drinking alcohol if applicable; medications like proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid levels; antibiotics if an infection from H.pylori is present; antacids that neutralize stomach acid; H-2 receptor blockers that reduce the amount of acid released into your stomach; prokinetic drugs that help food move faster through your digestive tract; surgery may also be necessary in some cases.

There are some steps you can take to reduce your risk for developing peptic ulcer disease including eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding social stress where possible if applicable, not smoking cigarettes or vaping if applicable, limiting caffeine intake from beverages like coffee/tea/soda etc., and taking medications as prescribed if already on them. Additionally it is important to practice good hand hygiene regularly when handling food items.