Pharmacy Practice, Shivlingeshwar College of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Almala , Maharashtra
Stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a growing health concern, with increasing evidence linking psychological stress to gastrointestinal mucosal damage. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current pharmacotherapeutic approaches for managing stress-induced PUD, including proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, and anti-stress medications. We also explore emerging trends and future directions in the field, including the potential role of psychobiotics, natural products, and novel therapeutic targets. Our analysis highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing stress-induced PUD, incorporating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. This review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to address the complex interplay between stress, gut health, and disease management.
Stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a significant health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide (1). The relationship between psychological stress and gastrointestinal mucosal damage has been extensively studied, with evidence suggesting that stress can exacerbate the development and severity of PUD (2,3). Pharmacotherapeutic approaches, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), have been widely used to manage stress-induced PUD.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis):
PPIs are a class of medications that reduce gastric acid secretion, thereby alleviating symptoms of PUD. Studies have consistently shown that PPIs are effective in healing peptic ulcers and preventing recurrence (4,5). For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that PPIs significantly reduced the risk of peptic ulcer recurrence compared to H2RAs (6).
H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2ras):
H2RAs are another class of medications that decrease gastric acid secretion, although to a lesser extent than PPIs. While H2RAs have been shown to be effective in managing mild to moderate PUD, their efficacy is generally lower than that of PPIs (7,8).In addition to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), anti-stress medications are also being explored as a potential treatment option for stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Anti-stress medications, such as anxiolytics and antidepressants, may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common comorbidities with PUD (9,10). Furthermore, some studies suggest that anti-stress medications may also have a direct therapeutic effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, reducing inflammation and promoting healing (11,12).
Anti-Stress Medications:
Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress in patients with PUD (13). However, their use is limited due to concerns about dependence and withdrawal. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have also been used to treat PUD, particularly in patients with comorbid depression (14). SSRIs have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improve quality of life in patients with PUD.Stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. In addition to pharmacological interventions, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and anti-stress medications, other therapeutic strategies are being explored.
Psychobiotics, for example, have been shown to have a positive impact on gut health and may play a role in the management of stress-induced PUD (15).
Natural Products, such as curcumin and ginger, have also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of PUD (16,17).
Furthermore, novel therapeutic targets, such as the gut-brain axis, are being investigated as potential treatment options for stress-induced PUD (18).
EPIDEMIOLOGY:
Stress-induced PUD is a significant health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. The exact prevalence of stress-induced PUD is difficult to determine, as many cases go unreported or misdiagnosed. However, studies suggest that:
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:
The pathophysiology of stress-induced PUD is complex and multifactorial. Key mechanisms include:
CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
The clinical presentation of stress-induced PUD can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual’s overall health. Common symptoms include:
DIAGNOSIS:
The diagnosis of stress-induced PUD typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and endoscopic procedures. The following diagnostic approaches may be used:
- Endoscopy: Allows for direct visualization of the stomach lining and detection of ulcers (29)
- Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series: A radiographic study that uses barium to visualize the upper GI tract (30)
- Laboratory tests: May include complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, and stool tests to rule out other conditions (31)
- Stress assessment: May involve questionnaires or psychological evaluations to assess the individual’s stress levels (32)
PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT:
The pharmacological management of stress-induced PUD typically involves the use of medications that reduce gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and promote healing.
1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs are the most commonly used medications for the treatment of PUD. They work by inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
- Examples: Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole
- Dosage: Typically, 20-40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks (33,34)
2. H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs)
H2RAs work by competitively inhibiting the binding of histamine to H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
- Examples: Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Cimetidine
- Dosage: Typically, 150-300 mg twice daily for 4-8 weeks (35,36)
3. Antacids and Acid Reducers
Antacids and acid reducers work by neutralizing gastric acid and reducing acid production.
- Examples: Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Calcium carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate
- Dosage: Typically, 1-2 tablespoons or 1-2 capsules/tablets as needed (37,38)
4. Sucralfate
Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer site, promoting healing.
- Dosage: Typically, 1 gram four times daily for 4-8 weeks (39)
5. Misoprostol
Misoprostol works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion and promoting mucosal protection.
- Dosage: Typically, 100-200 mcg four times daily for 4-8 weeks (40)
more detailed justification for the pharmacological management of stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD):
Rationale for Pharmacological Management:
The primary goal of pharmacological management in stress-induced PUD is to reduce gastric acid secretion, promote healing, and prevent complications. The rationale for using specific medications is as follows:
1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):
PPIs are the most potent inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and are considered the first-line treatment for stress-induced PUD. They work by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of gastric parietal cells.
- Mechanism of action: PPIs bind to the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, preventing the transport of hydrogen ions into the gastric lumen.
- Efficacy: PPIs have been shown to be highly effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as preventing recurrence.
- Safety: PPIs are generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache, diarrhea, and nausea.
2. H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs):
H2RAs work by competitively inhibiting the binding of histamine to H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.
- Mechanism of action: H2RAs bind to H2 receptors, preventing the stimulation of gastric acid secretion by histamine.
- Efficacy: H2RAs have been shown to be effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers, although they are generally less potent than PPIs.
- Safety: H2RAs are generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.
3. Antacids and Acid Reducers:
Antacids and acid reducers work by neutralizing gastric acid and reducing acid production.
- Mechanism of action: Antacids and acid reducers work by increasing the pH of the gastric lumen, thereby reducing the acidity of the stomach.
- Efficacy: Antacids and acid reducers have been shown to be effective in providing quick relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
- Safety: Antacids and acid reducers are generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
4. Sucralfate:
Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer site, promoting healing.
- Mechanism of action: Sucralfate binds to the ulcer site, forming a protective barrier that prevents further acid damage.
- Efficacy: Sucralfate has been shown to be effective in promoting healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- Safety: Sucralfate is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
5. Misoprostol:
Misoprostol works by inhibiting gastric acid secretion and promoting mucosal protection.
- Mechanism of action: Misoprostol binds to prostaglandin receptors, inhibiting gastric acid secretion and promoting mucosal protection.
- Efficacy: Misoprostol has been shown to be effective in preventing NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.
- Safety: Misoprostol is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions:
1. Stress Management Techniques: Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote healing (41).
2. Dietary Changes: Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and increasing fiber intake can help manage symptoms (42).
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and getting regular exercise can help reduce stress and promote healing (43).
Emerging Therapies:
1. Probiotics: Probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help promote healing in PUD (44).
2. Psychobiotics: Psychobiotics are live microorganisms that have a positive impact on mental health and may help reduce stress and promote healing in PUD (45).
3. Gene Therapy: Gene therapy may offer a promising approach for the treatment of PUD by targeting specific genes involved in the disease process (46).
Future Directions:
1. Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine approaches may help tailor treatment to individual patients based on their unique genetic and environmental factors (47).
2. Microbiome Research: Further research on the gut microbiome may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for PUD (48).
3. Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy may offer a promising approach for the treatment of PUD by promoting tissue repair and regeneration (49).
SUMMARY
Stress-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a significant health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. The pathophysiology of stress-induced PUD is complex and multifactorial, involving the interplay of psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. Pharmacological management of stress-induced PUD typically involves the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), antacids, and acid reducers. However, non-pharmacological interventions such as stress management techniques, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications are also important in managing the disease. Emerging therapies such as probiotics, psychobiotics, and gene therapy offer promising approaches for the treatment of stress-induced PUD. Furthermore, personalized medicine and stem cell therapy may provide new avenues for treatment in the future. (50,51,52)
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, stress-induced PUD is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to management. A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with emerging therapies and future directions, may provide effective treatment and improve patient outcomes.
REFERENCES
Vaibhav Gabale*, Sanjana Gupta, Shreya Hatte, Sangmesh Hasargunde, Dr. Ashok Giri, Healing the Gut, Calming the Mind, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 3, 613-620. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14994923