An ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or lower esophagus. The term "peptic" comes from the stomach's pepsin enzyme, which combines with stomach acid to digest food. In a healthy digestive system, mucus and other compounds protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from these acidic juices. According to Penn Medicine, "Ulcers are caused when there is an imbalance between the digestive juices produced by the stomach and the various factors that protect the lining of the stomach. Symptoms of ulcers may include bleeding. On rare occasions, an ulcer may completely erode the stomach wall. A major cause of stomach ulcers is the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori."
When this protective layer is damaged, digestive juices can erode the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing an ulcer.
Some Common Symptoms of ulcer can include:- Sudden, sharp, or severe abdominal pain.
- Abdominal pain (often in the upper mid-abdomen) is a common symptom. The pain can differ from person to person. Some people have no pain.
- Pain occurs:
- In the upper abdomen
- At night and wakes you up
- When you feel an empty stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a meal
- Other symptoms include:
- Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloody or dark, tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting, possibly bloody
- Weight loss
- Ongoing heartburn
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Being very ill
- Stress
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