A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. The pain

• Starts between meals or during the night
• Briefly stops if antacids are eaten or taken
• Lasts for minutes to hours
• Comes and goes for several days or weeks

Peptic ulcers happen when the acids used in digestion damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause of peptic ulcers is infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

This diagram shows how H. pylori can cause a peptic ulcer.

This image shows H.Pylori Crossing the mucus layer of the stomach.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors will test your blood, breath, or stool to search for an H. pylori infection. A doctor also may look inside the stomach and duodenum by doing an endoscopy or x-ray.

Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. Treatment may include medicines to reduce stomach acids or antibiotics to kill H. pylori. Antacids and milk can’t heal peptic ulcers. Not smoking and avoiding alcohol can help. A person with peptic ulcers may need surgery if the ulcers don’t heal.