What is ulcer?
Too much stress, too much spicy food, and you may be headed for an ulcer — or so the thinking used to go. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is pain. Not long ago, the common belief was that peptic ulcers were a result of lifestyle. Doctors now know that a bacterial infection or medications — not stress or diet — cause most ulcers of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Esophageal ulcers may also occur and are typically associated with the reflux of stomach acid. Depending on their location, ulcers have different names: Gastric ulcer. This is a peptic ulcer that occurs in your stomach. Duodenal ulcer. This type of peptic ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Esophageal ulcer. An esophageal ulcer is usually located in the lower section of your esophagus. It’s often associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux
