It is a break in the lining of the stomach, first part of the small intestine, or occasionally the lower esophagus.
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine as a result of erosion from stomach acids. Peptic ulcers are a fairly common health problem, and it is estimated that more than 20 million Americans will experience a peptic ulcer in their lifetime (Cleveland Clinic). Causes of Peptic Ulcers. Different factors can cause the lining of the stomach, the esophagus, and the small intestine to break down. These include: 1  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - a bacteria that can cause a stomach infection and inflammation. A peptic ulcer is a break in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive (peptic) juices which are secreted by the cells of the stomach Mild to severe hemorrhage is the most common complication of peptic ulcer disease. Symptoms include hematemesis (vomiting of fresh blood or “coffee ground” material); passage of bloody stools (hematochezia) or black tarry stools (melena); and weakness, orthostasis, syncope, thirst, and sweating caused by blood loss. A peptic ulcer is an erosion in a segment of the GI mucosa, typically in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first few centimeters of the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), that penetrates through the muscularis mucosae. Peptic Ulcers Overview. In the digestive system, an ulcer is an area where tissue has been destroyed by gastric juices and stomach acid. Peptic ulcer disease is a general term for ulcers that occur in the stomach or duodenum (upper part of the small intestine). 1  A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. 1 Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in 50% of patients. 2  For the remaining 50% there are miscellaneous or unknown causes. 3  Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. 1 Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. 2  Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in 50% of patients. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. Medical Reference. A. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine (duodenum). Ulcers develop when the intestine or stomach's protective layer is broken down. When this happens, digestive juices can damage the intestine or stomach tissue.  Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), also known as a peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer, is a break in the lining of the stomach, first part of the small intestine, or occasionally the lower esophagus. An ulcer in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer while that in the first part of the intestines is known as a duodenal ulcer. The most common symptoms are waking at night with upper abdominal pain or upper abdominal pain that improves with eating. Common causes include the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other less common causes include tobacco smoking, stress due to serious illness, Behcet disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Crohn disease and liver cirrhosis, among others. A peptic ulcer is a localized area of erosion occurring in the stomach or duodenal (the beginning of the small intestine) lining, resulting in abdominal pain, possible bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In some people, H pylori bacteria cause an infection in the lining of the stomach, which may lead to peptic ulcers. Damage to the stomach lining from stomach acid increases the likelihood that H pylori infection will result in an ulcer. Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
http://www.healthline.com/health/peptic-ulcer http://www.medicinenet.com/peptic_ulcer/article.htm http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/peptic-ulcer-disease http://www.emedicinehealth.com/peptic_ulcers/article_em.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/peptic_ulcer/article.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/peptic_ulcer/article.htm http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1192149/what-is-a-peptic-ulcer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptic_ulcer http://www.healthgrades.com/conditions/peptic-ulcer http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-peptic-ulcer-disease
what is peptic ulcer disease