Ulcers

Ulcers are sores on the lining of your digestive tract. Your digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum (called "duodenal ulcers"). Ulcers located in the stomach are called "gastric ulcers", while ulcers in the esophagus are called "esophageal ulcers". All can be quite painful and tend to lead to other more severe health problems.

Overview

For almost 100 years, doctors believed that stress, spicy foods, and alcohol caused most ulcers. Now we know that most gastric (or peptic) ulcers are caused by a particular bacterial infection in the stomach and upper intestine, by certain medications, or by smoking. Smoking is also associated with peptic ulcers. Smoking increases a person's risk of getting an ulcer because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce more acid. Drinking a lot of alcohol each day for a period of time can also increase a person's risk of ulcers because over time alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and intestines.  It is found that H. Pylori, a form of bacteria, is usually present when ulcers occur.