An "ulcer" is a break in the lining of the surface of an organ (in this case, the stomach or duodenum). It usually means a break that has been present for some time. Peptic ulcer is the general term to describe an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine forming the outlet of the stomach). Peptic ulcers are not cancers, although a cancer can present as an ulcer. .

Duodenal ulcers are usually caused by a combination of factors - helicobacter pylori infection (see Helicobacter pylori), acid produced by the stomach, and impaired resistance of the duodenum to acid. The cause of gastric ulcers is less certain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS (used for arthritis) and aspirin are also a common cause of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.

Peptic ulcers may cause a number of symptoms including indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Less common symptoms include bleeding (either vomiting of blood or passage of blood from the bowel - the latter is usually black and is called melaena). Very rarely an ulcer can cause a hole to develop in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, allowing food and gastric secretions to enter the abdominal cavity - this is known as a perforated ulcer and is a surgical emergency.

In brief, peptic ulcers are treated by (1) reducing acid secretion, (2) treating helicobacter pylori infection, and (3) stopping NSAIDS. Some lifestyle changes may also be necessary. For instance, cigarette smoking may prolong ulcer healing and therefore smoking should be ceased. There is little role for dietary modification although any foods which cause the symptoms to occur should be avoided, and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Links to information about Peptic Ulcers:
(also see Helicobacter pylori infection)

What are ulcers? - a good discussion of the subject
http://www.vianet.net.au/~bjmrshll/ulcers.htm

Stomach and duodenal ulcers - NIDDK site
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/ulcers/ulcers.htm

Photographs of duodenal ulcers
http://home.kolumbus.fi/~hans/ku22.htm

Peptic ulcers - from NIH Bulletin
http://pharminfo.com/pubs/msb/nih_ulcer.html#u1

How common are peptic ulcers?
http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/bandopubs/hpyl/prevalen.html

The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
http://www.pharminfo.com/meeting/ACG/acg_ehlb33.html