Ulcers are an open sore in the skin or mucus membrane. Although Ulcers can appear almost anywhere on the body, Ulcer has become synonymous with Stomach Ulcers, also known as Peptic Ulcers. PepticUlcers are typically caused by an acid resistant bacterium called Helicobacter Pylori ( H. pylori), which infects the stomach. Ulcers can also be caused by prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medicines.

Consider the following signs and symptoms of ulcers:

• Abdominal pain
• Feel better while eating or drinking and then worse 1 to 2 hours after eating or drinking
• Feel worse while eating or drinking
• Stomach pain that wakes you up at night
• Vomiting blood and general vomiting
• Heavy feeling, bloating, burning, and or dull pain in the stomach
• Melena
• Weight loss

It is possible that an untreated ulcer can perforate the stomach wall. This is known as gastric perforation or duodenal perforation and is commonly called a Perforated Ulcer. This condition is very serious and requires immediate treatement, including surgery to repair the perforation.

Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the intestine. These ulcers are called Duodenal Ulcers. Whereas, Ulcers located in the stomach are called Gastric Ulcers. In addition, Ulcers in the esophagus are called Esophageal Ulcers.