Peptic ulcers are sores that form in the inner lining of the stomach and sometimes in the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcer names may be different depending on the digestive tract involved. When it occurs in the stomach, it is called gastric ulcer. A peptic ulcer occurring in the duodenum is called duodenal ulcer.

Many people have peptic ulcer. It can occur both in the stomach and duodenum. Sometimes, you can have more than one ulcer in your lifetime.

Peptic Ulcer Causes

Peptic ulcer is commonly caused by the bacteria called H. pylori. Experts believe that H. pylori may be spread through eating and drinking contaminated food and water. Also, the bacteria may be spread through kissing.

The second leading cause of peptic ulcer is long-term use of pain-reliever drugs, called NSAIDs. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), ulcers caused by NSAIDs are more often found in people who are age 60 or older; are female; have taken NSAIDs for a long time; and have had ulcer before.

Contrary to the notion, stress and eating spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers. However, they can make ulcers worse and can affect healing.

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

Peptic ulcer symptoms may include weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, burping, vomiting, and feeling sick to your stomach. However, the most common symptom of peptic ulcer is dull or burning pain in the stomach. The pain often starts between meals or during the night, briefly stops if you eat or take antacids, lasts for minutes to hours, comes and goes for several days or weeks.

Peptic Ulcers Treatment

Peptic ulcer treatment may include medicines to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum; antibiotics to kill the bacteria H. pylori; and medicines to coat the ulcer and protect them from stomach acid.

If NSAIDs use is the primary cause of peptic ulcer, your doctor may tell you to stop taking them or reduce how much of the NSAID you take. Your doctor may also prescribe an alternative pain medication that does not cause peptic ulcer.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking and alcohol can make slow healing of ulcers and can make them worse.

Suggested Readings:

• Common Digestive System Diseases
• Common Stomach Diseases or Disorders
• Dyspepsia