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.