Peptic ulcers are painful sores or ulcers that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine (the duodenum), usually as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori.

• It can also occur due to continuous erosion of the secreting acids.
• It can also occur due to long term use anti-inflammatory medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Peptic ulcer can get worse if not treated.

Types of Peptic ulcer:

There are three types of peptic ulcers:

• Gastric ulcers: ulcers that develop inside the stomach
• Esophageal ulcers: ulcers that develop inside the esophagus
• Duodenal ulcers: ulcers that develop in the upper section of the small intestines, called the duodenum

Causes of peptic ulcer:

Different causes of peptic ulcer may include:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-A bacteria that can cause stomach inflammation
• Frequent and long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs
• Drinking  of too much alcohol
• Radiation therapy
• Stomach cancer
• Smoking

Risk factors of peptic ulcer:

There are certain things which can increase the risk of peptic ulcer, they are:

• Having spicy food
• Being at age of 50 or older
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Stress
• Drinking alcohol
• Some medical problems such as lung, kidney and liver disease
• Having long term anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and steroid drugs

Symptoms of peptic ulcer:

Certain symptoms may include:

• Burning pain in the stomach
• Bloating 
• Heartburn 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dark or black stool
• Weight loss 

Diagnosis of peptic ulcer:

Certain diagnosis technique may include:

• Test for H.pylori- Certain blood  and stool test must be done to look for H.pylori bacteria in the body
• Upper GI- X-rays of stomach, esophagus and small intestine is done by using a barium contrast X-ray method so that the areas of ulcer can e seen and treated.
• Endoscopy- An endoscopy can e done to detect ulcer for the person who are at higher age that 45 and may have high risk of stomach cancer, or have difficulty swallowing or anemia.

Treatments of peptic ulcer:

Certain treatments would include:

• Medications- use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may help to relive the symptoms and release stomach acid.
• Change of lifestyle- Change of lifestyle and preventing the risk factors of ulcer can help to reduce the symptoms of ulcer.
• An upper endoscopy can treat a bleeding a ulcer.