peptisk

Peptisk is an adjective used in several European languages to denote something related to peptic or pepsin-mediated digestion of proteins, particularly within the stomach. In English-language medical terminology, the corresponding term is peptic. In Scandinavian languages, peptisk is used in similar contexts, for example referencing peptisk ulkus (peptic ulcer) or peptisk gastritis, though usage varies regionally.

Biology and medicine: Peptic digestion is initiated in the stomach by acid and the proteolytic enzyme pepsin, which is secreted as pepsinogen by chief cells and activated by low pH. Peptic digestion cleaves proteins into smaller peptides, facilitating later digestion in the small intestine.

Clinical relevance: Peptic ulcer disease involves erosion of the stomach or duodenal mucosa due to acids and pepsin, often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use. Symptoms include epigastric pain, hunger pains, and nausea. Treatments target acid suppression (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers) and eradication of H. pylori when present; avoidance of NSAIDs; and lifestyle adjustments.

Other notes: The root 'pept-' is also seen in terms related to peptide chemistry, but in peptic contexts it refers specifically to protein digestion in the stomach rather than to peptides per se.

Related topics include pepsin, peptic ulcer, proteolysis, and gastritis.