Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) refers to painful sores or lesions that develop on the lining of the stomach, the upper portion of the small intestine called the duodenum, or, less commonly, in the esophagus. These ulcers are typically a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, combined with erosion from stomach acids. Peptic ulcers are a fairly common health problem.

There are several types of peptic ulcers, named according to their location: gastric ulcers occur in the stomach lining while duodenal ulcers appear in the upper part of the small intestine. Contributing factors besides H. pylori include regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet. Peptic ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms, with the most common being a burning stomach pain that feels better when eating or taking antacids. Serious complications may include bleeding, perforation, and gastric obstruction. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications to kill H. pylori, reduce acid levels in the stomach, and heal the ulcerated tissue.