Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are sores, holes, and tears in the inner lining of the stomach, duodenum, or the lower portion of the esophagus.  These are areas where the protein digesting enzyme pepsin is often present.  It is very painful, and can cause bleeding into the intestinal tract or perforate the abdominal cavity.  This causes the intestinal contents to spill into the abdomen, leading to a life threatening situation.  Most ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria.  Treatment is with antibiotics and acid reducing medications.