Introduction

Peptic Ulcer - A peptic ulcer is a defect in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 20 million Americans will develop an ulcer during their life. Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by spicy food or stress. Instead, a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is usually to blame. Long term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), can also cause ulcers.

Disease Condition
Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines is protected against the irritating acids produced in your stomach. If this protective lining stops working correctly and the lining breaks down, it results in inflammation gastritis or an ulcer. Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining of the stomach. Some symptoms that can be indicated with a peptic ulcer include the following:

sudden sharp stomach pain that doesnt go away pain lasts for minutes to hours black or bloody stools bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Classification/Types
Peptic Ulcer Any ulcer that is exposed to pepsin is referred to as peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are found in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. Pepsin is normally present along with hydrochloric acid in the stomach lining. Gastric Ulcer When a peptic ulcer is in the stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. The symptoms of gastric ulcers are more specific than peptic ulcer symptoms. Duodenal Ulcer when a peptic ulcer is in the duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer. This type of peptic ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestine. Some of the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are interestingly quite opposite to those of gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are the most common ulcers found in the Western world.

Etiology
The lining of the stomach is usually protected from the damaging effects of stomach acid, when that protection fails, an ulcer forms. There are a few different ways this happens:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) -- H. pylori, a type of bacteria, is responsible for most ulcers. This organism weakens the protective coating of the stomach and first part of the intestine and allows damaging digestive juices to eat away at the sensitive lining below. As many as 20% of Americans over age 40 have H. pylori living in their digestive tract, but most do not develop ulcers.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Long-term use of these pain relievers is the second most common cause of ulcers. These drugs block prostaglandins; substances in the stomach that help maintain blood flow and protect the area from injury. Some people are more susceptible to this side effect of NSAIDs than others. These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (OrudisKT), as well as prescription drugs. Some may be more likely to produce ulcers than others. Other causes of ulcers are conditions that can result in direct damage to the wall of the stomach or duodenum, such as heavy use of alcohol, radiation therapy, burns, and physical injury.