Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of thestomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
What Causes Ulcers?
No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
The most common cause of ulcers is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have these bacteria living in their digestive tract. Yet, many people who have these bacteria in their stomach do not develop an ulcer.