Peptic Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Peptic Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Peptic Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention A peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), or—less commonly—the esophagus. While once thought to be caused primarily by stress or spicy food, we now know that most peptic ulcers result from infection or certain medications. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ulcers heal completely. This guide explains what peptic ulcers are, what causes them, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatments work best—all in plain language for everyday readers. What Is a Peptic Ulcer? A peptic ulcer is an open sore that forms when the protective mucus layer in your digestive tract is weakened. This allows stomach acid to eat away at the sensitive lining underneath. There are two main types: Gastric ulcer : Occurs in the stomach. Duodenal ulcer : Occurs...