Esophageal ulcer induced by ibuprofen tablets

The Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most widely prescribed drugs, commonly used for rheumatoid diseases and illnesses accompanied by pain. However, the use of NSAIDs is often limited by the gastrointestinal toxicity. The NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), which is an enzyme in the prostaglandin synthetic pathway, thereby decreasing pain, fever, and inflammation. The likely reason for toxicity is that gastric cytoprotection resulting from prostaglandin is decreased. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastric ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is the report of an unusual case of an esophageal ulcer induced by ibuprofen tablets. A 32-year-old woman visited our institute due to retrosternal pain. She suffered from dysmenorrheal and took three tablets (0.2 g/tablet) of ibuprofen at one time without drinking water. About two minutes later she felt a severe retrosternal burning sensation that lasted for two minutes, then she felt relief. But she still had retrosternal burning pain and dysphagia after eating. Prior to this problem, the patient was in good health and had no history of gastrointestinal disease or coronary heart disease. Physical examination results included; blood