Chronic use of which medication is a significant risk factor for developing Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Chronic use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is a significant risk factor for developing Peptic Ulcer Disease due to their mechanism of action. NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that play a crucial role in maintaining the protective lining of the gastric mucosa. By reducing the levels of these protective substances, NSAIDs lead to an increase in gastric acid secretion and a decrease in the mucosal defenses against acid, making the stomach more susceptible to injury and ulcer formation.

In contrast, while corticosteroids can contribute to mucosal vulnerability when used in conjunction with NSAIDs, and aspirin can also cause gastric irritation, the primary mechanism of ulcer formation is most notably associated with NSAIDs. Acetaminophen is generally considered less damaging to the gastrointestinal mucosa when compared to NSAIDs and does not carry the same significant risk for peptic ulcers. Therefore, NSAIDs are specifically recognized as the primary agents linked to the increased incidence of Peptic Ulcer Disease due to their prevalent clinical use and the mechanism by which they affect gastric lining protection.