Clinical Manifestations of Complicated and Uncomplicated Peptic Ulcer - Assignment Example

A sample of 30 patients with BUP,  25 patients with uPUD, and 32 healthy individuals comprising the control group provided appropriate findings which indicated that several factors contribute to early detection, medical intervention, and efficient management of complicated peptic ulcers. Age is one factor that contributed to the diminished manifestation of visceral sensation and delay in medical treatment and intervention.

The article was useful in furthering research on complicated peptic ulcers in terms of identifying other significant manifestations, especially in cases where visceral sensation and early symptoms are not evident. Since the age factor has been critically identified as an important contributory factor that diminished visceral sensation, medical practitioners who suspect patients suffering from BUP must be vigilant in addressing the illness through more effective medical interventions. The conclusion of the authors that “identification, elimination, and management of risk factors are essential for reducing the incidence of BPU” is appropriate and concisely accurate.

Other research studies on the subject particularly the article written by Dr. Sidney Cohen indicated that “the typical ulcer tends to heal and recur. Thus, pain may occur for days or weeks and then wane or disappear. Symptoms can vary with the location of the ulcer and the person's age. For example, children and older people may not have the usual symptoms or may have no symptoms at all. In these instances, ulcers are discovered only when complications develop” (Cohen, 2006, 1). As indicated, older people have greater tendencies not to manifest any significant symptoms to immediately address the illness. However, due to the age factor per se, regular and frequent monitoring of the stomach should be part of medical check-ups even when patients do not complain of discomfort or pain. Further, a close examination of the additional risk factors for contracting the disease should be a standard operating procedure to assist in the immediate detection and application of the necessary medical intervention for fast relief and elimination of the illness.

The authors were successful in attaining their specified objective which is to “assess symptom profiles and compare visceral sensory thresholds in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers (BUP), uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (uPUD), with healthy control subjects” (Gururataskul, 2010, par. 1). By identifying risk factors, the authors were able to pinpoint underlying rationale for delayed identification and application of required medical interventions. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC, 2010), “the good news is that the number of ulcers and their complications continues to decline as people seek early treatment for symptoms and the causes, like H. pylori and NSAIDs”. However, for older patients, greater risks are evident as revealed by their diminished visceral sensory manifestations contributing to larger ulcers that continue to be untreated. In this regard, medical practitioners must be more vigilant and adept in designing immediate medical interventions for this age group to ensure that patients with BUP would have greater chances to be treated effectively.