BACKGROUND Acid Peptic Disease is a condition which is widely prevalent among adults. Several individuals especially belonging to the age groups of senior citizens are found to be suffering from this condition. It may manifest as heart burn, nausea, a feeling of gaseous distension of abdomen, decreased appetite, irritability etc. Frequent suffering from these problems will affect the quality of life of the person considerably. Abstaining from certain foods regularly for avoiding the symptoms of this condition may affect the nutritional status of the elderly. On the other hand, young adults may find their work capacity and concentration in work and studies affected by this. Thus, Acid Peptic Disease is an ailment, even though not causing much mortality, can result in considerable morbidity. With an understanding regarding the risk factors of Acid Peptic Disease, life style modifications can be brought about, which can reduce the distress associated with this condition. Aim of the Study-To evaluate the risk factors for developing acid peptic disease among adults visiting the different departments of Travancore Medical College during the study period. MATERIALS & METHODS This was a cross sectional study done in Travancore Medical College, which is a tertiary level hospital and teaching institution in Kollam, Kerala. Adults attending the general medicine outpatient department of this medical college were included in the study. A total of 237 subjects were studied. RESULTS Statistically significant association was found for consumption of spicy foods (p value<0.001), Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (p value<0.01), intake of hot food and beverages (p value<0.01), smoking (p value<0.001), alcohol (p value<0.001) and emotional stress (p value<0.0.005) in this study. Regularity of food intake, BMI, regular physical exercise, frequent intake of coffee/tea or vegetarian/non-vegetarian food habits did not show statistically significant association in this study. CONCLUSION Among the various risk factors considered to be associated with acid peptic disease, hot & highly spicy food, emotional stress, smoking, alcoholism and intake of NSAIDs were significantly related to acid peptic disease in this study group. It follows that a control of these factors by awareness creation supplemented with drugs could bring about considerable improvement in the quality of life of the patients.