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Peptic ulcers are eroded areas in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or first part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers). Ulcers occur in areas where the lining of the stomach or intestine is worn away and irritated, causing pain or bleeding.
Normally, a mucous coating protects the lining of the stomach and the intestine. This coating can be disrupted by a bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) or by irritating medicines (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines). When this mucous coat is disrupted, strong digestive juices can erode the lining underneath it. This causes the ulcer.
Lifestyle factors (such as diet and stress) were once thought to be wholly responsible for causing ulcers. They are now known to worsen ulcer conditions, but not to actually cause the erosion. The vast majority of ulcers are due to H. pylori infection or NSAID use.
In addition to creating discomfort, ulcers are serious because they can cause:
Many more people are infected with H. pylori than ever develop an ulcer. Researchers are still trying to understand why some people infected with this kind of bacteria develop ulcers and others don’t. Researchers are also trying to learn how people become infected with H. pylori. It may be passed in food or water. It also seems to live in the saliva of infected people, allowing the bacteria to be passed through kissing, for example.
What are the risk factors for peptic ulcer disease?
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?
How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed?
What are the treatments for peptic ulcer disease?
Are there screening tests for peptic ulcer disease?
How can I reduce my risk of peptic ulcer disease?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about peptic ulcer disease?
References:
American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://www.acg.gi.org/ . Accessed March 3, 2006.
Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.
Meurer LN, Bower DJ. Management of helicobacter pylori infection. Am Fam Physician [online]. Apr 2002;65(7). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1327.html.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at:. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 3, 2006.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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