Acid peptic disease in the elderly

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2001 Jun;30(2):363-76. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8553(05)70186-2.

Abstract

GERD and peptic ulcer disease are important diseases in the elderly. GERD presents similarly in the elderly and the young, although elderly patients may have less severe symptoms yet more severe mucosal disease and a higher prevalence of BE. Although the prevalence of H. pylori is falling, the elderly remain at risk for peptic ulcer because of the widespread use of NSAIDS. The presentation of peptic ulcer disease in the elderly can be subtle and atypical when compared with younger patients, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Because of comorbidity in the aged, peptic ulcer disease and its complications result in increased morbidity and mortality rates.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / epidemiology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Peptic Ulcer* / diagnosis
  • Peptic Ulcer* / epidemiology
  • Peptic Ulcer* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology