A 65-year-old female comes to the clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the epigastric area. The pain has been persistent for two weeks.  The pain described as burning, non-radiating and worse after meals. Denies N&V, weight loss or obvious bleeding. She admits to frequent belching with bloating.

PMH:  seasonal allergies with Chronic Sinusitis, positive for osteoarthritis,

Meds: Claritin 10 mg po daily, ibuprofen 400-600 mg po prn pain

Family Hx-non contributary

Social history: Separated recently pending divorce; stressful situation with trying to manage two homes. Works as a Legal Assistant at a local law firm. She has 35 PPY of smoking, drinks 1-2 glasses of wine a day, and 6-7 cups of coffee per day. She denies illicit drug use, vaping or unprotected sexual encounters.

Breath test in the office revealed + urease.

The healthcare provider suspects the client has peptic ulcer disease.

Question:

1.     What is the pathophysiology of PUD/ formation of peptic ulcers?