Peptic Ulcer Fact Sheet
A peptic ulcer is a lesion in the lining of the mucous membrane of an internal organ, accompanied by disintegration of the tissue and formation of pus.
This erosion occurs primarily in the upper segments of the small intestines: stomach, duodenum and oesophagus.
Depending on its location a peptic ulcer is called a
- duodenal ulcer,
- a gastric (stomach) ulcer
- or an oesophageal ulcer
A peptic ulcer is produced when external factors reduce the ability of the mucosal lining to resist the effects of the gastric juice secreted during digestion.
The gastric secretions are composed of a mixture of enzymes and acid. The small intestines are protected against the effect of the acid contained in the gastric juice by a lining of mucous. When the mucous lining is eroded, the stomach or duodenal walls come into contact with the acid and this can lead to the formation of an ulcer.
It is now known that one of the major causes of peptic ulcer is a bacterium called Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori). Normally Helicobacter Pylori lives in the mucous layers that protect the small intestine walls without giving any problems. However it can sometimes irritate the lining of the intestine thus producing an ulcer. This probably happens to individuals who already have some sort of damage to the lining which make it easier for the bacteria to attack the tissues.
Other causes and factors of peptic ulcers include:
Stress
Smoking
Abuse of alcohol
Regular use of pain killers and anti-inflammatory such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
