Health & Wellness

Ulcers

Source American Academy of Family Physicians

March 02, 2005

Ulcers are sores on the lining of your digestive tract. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the intestine. These ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.

Duodenal and gastric ulcers occur when acid and other juices made by the stomach burn the lining of your digestive tract. This can happen if your body makes too much acid or if the lining of your digestive tract is damaged in some way. Esophageal ulcers or esophagitis occur when stomach acid makes its way up inot the lower esophagus.

Signs of Ulcers

Feel better when you eat or drink and then worse an hour or two after eating (duodenal ulcer) or feel worse when you eat or drink (gastric ulcer)
Stomach pain that may wake you up at night
Feel full fast
Heavy feeling, bloating, burning or dull pain anywhere in your stomach
Times when you feel bad and then times when you feel good in between
Vomiting
Weight loss

Listed below are links to information about ulcers.

This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment:

Ulcers – CDC

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

MedlinePLUS – Peptic Ulcers

Gastroenterology Consultants, PC