Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Peptic Ulcers »

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).

• A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
  
  
• The mucous membrane lining the digestive tract erodes and causes a gradual breakdown of tissue.
  
  
• This breakdown causes a gnawing or burning pain in the upper middle part of the belly (abdomen).
  
  
• Although most peptic ulcers are small, they can cause a considerable amount of discomfort.

Peptic ulcers are a very common condition in the United States and throughout the world.

• In the United States, an estimated 25 million people will suffer an ulcer at some point. That's 1 in 10 people.
  
  
• Ab...

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