Peptic ulcers are sores shaped like craters, and they develop when
the digestive juices produced by the stomach erode or eat away the lining of
the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers may form in the lining of the stomach
(gastric ulcers) or just below the stomach, at the start of the small intestine
(duodenal ulcers).
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
bacteria and frequent use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs).
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine