Final answer:
Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach or duodenal lining, primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Lesser causes include NSAID use, and contrary to old beliefs, diet is not a significant factor in ulcer development. Treatment now involves antibiotics and acid reducers, with a change in understanding attributed to the work of Nobel laureates Warren and Marshall.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
A peptic ulcer is a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach, known as a gastric ulcer, or the duodenum, which is referred to as a duodenal ulcer. These ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, though chronic use of NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen can also contribute to their development. Despite earlier beliefs, dietary choices such as eating spicy foods or drinking coffee and alcohol are no longer thought to impact the development of peptic ulcers significantly.
The revelation that H. pylori was responsible for most peptic ulcers transformed the medical understanding of the condition in the 1980s. Before this discovery by Robin Warren and Barry Marshall, which earned them a Nobel Prize, ulcers were commonly attributed to stress and diet. Today, these ulcers are typically treated with a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection and acid-reducing medications to promote healing.
Complications from peptic ulcers, such as perforation, may necessitate emergency surgery. Nonetheless, proper diagnosis, often through endoscopy, and treatment with the correct antibiotics can lead to effective management of the condition.