Prognosis and duration of disabling effects

In most cases symptoms due to peptic ulceration resolve rapidly with drug treatment, within days or weeks. Recurrent dyspepsia or exacerbations of pain usually respond to a further course of tablets. Symptoms can also be controlled on a long-term basis with antacids or courses of protein pump inhibitors.

Following hospital admission and/or surgery for complications such as bleeding or perforation a full recovery and return to normal function can be expected. Where drugs such as NSAIDs have been implicated in peptic ulceration, no recurrence is likely if these classes of medication are avoided in the future. If these drugs are necessary for pain relief, for example in the more severe types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis), additional prescription of a protein pump inhibitor (PPI) medication reduces the likelihood of peptic ulceration and its complications.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended April 2008