Peptic ulcer disease: current management in the elderly.
Pain is less frequently the initial complaint in the elderly; melena is a more frequent presentation of ulcer disease. Also, in case of a complication, signs and symptoms are less severe. If one decides to treat an elderly patient symptomatically--without the benefit of any diagnostic study--the patient should be followed closely. The physician should be satisfied that at least partial relief is occurring within the first few days.
D000368:Aged; D000535:Aluminum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000863:Antacids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012907:Smoking; D013392:Sucralfate
D000863:Antacids; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D013392:Sucralfate; D002927:Cimetidine; D011899:Ranitidine; D000535:Aluminum