Ulcer, peptic
An ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Peptic ulcers affect millions of people in the US yearly. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Peptic ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration. Complications of peptic ulcers include bleeding, perforation, and blockage of the stomach (gastric obstruction). Diagnosis is made via barium X-ray or endoscopy. Treatment involves use of antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, elimination of risk factors, and prevention of complications.
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A skin ulcer that develops in an area in which the circulation is sluggish and the return of venous blood toward the heart is poor. A common location for stasis ulcers is on the ankles. Stasis refers to a stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood (or other body fluid, such as lymph).
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The process or fact of being eroded away, as by an ulcer.
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A disorder evident at birth characterized by muscle weakness, contractures of multiple joints, and hyperextensibility (looseness) of joints, particularly distal joints (well away from the trunk). The muscle weakness progresses slowly and ranges from mild to severe. The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is associated with mutations in several genes, including […]