Peptic ulcers are painful open sores that develop in the lining of the small intestine, stomach or lower esophagus. The condition takes place when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine, causing painful sores known as peptic ulcers.

Peptic ulcers are a common health problem. The erosion of stomach acids and bacteria H.pylori are one of the main cause of peptic ulcers. To understand this type of ulcers, one needs to be aware of the main types of ulcers, signs, and causes. The treatment can only be determined once the doctor knows the type of peptic ulcer, its signs, and its causes.

The main types of ulcers are:

• Gastric ulcers
  Gastric ulcers develop inside the lining of the stomach.
• Esophageal ulcers
  Esophageal ulcers develop inside the esophagus.
• Duodenal Ulcers
  Duodenal ulcers develop in the upper section of the small intestines called the duodenum.

The signs of peptic ulcers are:

• Abdominal pain
  A bad upper abdominal pain is the first sign of peptic ulcer. The pain is generally above the navel button or below the breastbone. The pain is similar to burning or gnawing, and it may go through to the back. The pain is experienced in a few hours after eating something and can last from a few minutes to several hours. This is often worse at night and early morning.
• Vomiting
  Vomiting and feeling queasy are some common symptoms of peptic ulcers. Feeling nauseated and throwing up can make a person lose their appetite and weight.
• Bleeding
  Severe ulcers can cause the stomach lining or small intestines to bleed. A person will notice dark-colored blood in vomit or blood in stools. Bleeding causes anemia, tiredness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and pale skin.

The causes of peptic ulcers are:

• Bacteria
  Helicobacter pylori bacteria are found in the mucous layer of the lining of the stomach and small intestine, which can cause inflammation, producing an ulcer. This infection gets transmitted from an infected person through kissing or contaminated food and water.
• Use of certain pain relievers
  Regular usage of some pain relievers can also be one of the main reasons of peptic ulcers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestines. NSAIDs do not allow your body to make the chemical that helps to protect the inner walls of your small intestine from stomach acid. Medication such as naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and others can cause peptic ulcers.
• Smoking and drinking
  Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol don’t cause peptic ulcers; they can worsen the case as they increase stomach acid.
• Stress
  Untreated stress too can cause peptic ulcers.
• Eating spicy foods
  When you eat food, the stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food. When the acid and enzyme overcome the defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the mucosal wall, it causes peptic ulcers.

Eat healthily and maintain a good lifestyle to stay away from the main types of ulcers. If you experience any of the aforementioned signs, it is advisable to consult a doctor.