Peptic Ulcers

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

• Peptic Ulcers Overview
• Peptic Ulcers Causes
• Peptic Ulcers Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Peptic Ulcers Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related ulcer articles:
  Peptic ulcer - on WebMD
  Peptic ulcer - on MedicineNet

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.
  
  
• About 4 million people are affected by ulcers at any given time.
  
  
• There are approximately 350,000-500,000 new cases and more than 1 million ulcer-related hospitalizations each year in this country alone.
  
  
• About 6000 people die each year of ulcer-related complications.

Ulcers can occur at any age, although they are rare in children and teenagers.

• Duodenal ulcers usually first occur between the ages of 30-50 years and are twice as common in men as in women.
  
  
• Stomach (or gastric) ulcers usually occur in people older than 60 years and are more common in women.

The good news is that we have learned a lot about ulcers in the past 20 years and effective therapies are now available.