Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often cause gastric and,
to a lesser extent, duodenal injury. Patient care can be improved if
physicians are familiar with the risk factors and have a good understa
nding of (1) the actions of various NSAIDs, (2) mucosal protection str
ategies, and (3) options for treatment of damage once it occurs. It is
hoped that with careful selection of an NSAID and use of cytoprotecti
ve agents, treatment of these injuries will be necessary less often in
the future.