Peptic ulcer disease is a common disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Peptic ulcer disease has a major impact on quality of life and on the utilisation of the health system when complications occur. Understanding the causative roles of Helicobacter pylori and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs has led to changes in management of the disease. Comorbidities in older people add further complexity to treatment. This article summarises the clinical aspects of peptic ulcer disease and outlines principles which enable effective treatment.

Peptic ulcer disease is common in older people, and they bear much of the impact of its complications. Improved understanding of the principal causes of ulcers ‐ Helicobacter pylori and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ‐ has recently led to significant advances in drug treatment for ulcer disease. These new treatments offer the prospect of better symptom relief and improved mortality in the elderly.