What are the “alarm features” of peptic ulcer disease that necessitate immediate referral to a gastroenterologist?
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What are the “alarm features” of peptic ulcer disease that necessitate immediate referral to a gastroenterologist?
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@alyssa In uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease, the clinical findings are few and nonspecific. “Alarm features" that warrant prompt gastroenterology referral include bleeding, anemia, early satiety, unexplained weight loss, progressive dysphagia or odynophagia, recurrent vomiting, and a family history of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease usually present with a sudden onset of severe, sharp abdominal pain.