Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach, the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) or in the oesophagus (foodpipe). These painful sores develop when acidic digestive fluids in the stomach corrode the lining of the organs and result in the formation of ulcers.
Untreated peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding in the stomach and perforation (tearing) of the stomach wall. Peptic ulcers are categorised according to where they occur:
- Duodenal ulcers develop in the duodenum
- Gastric ulcers develop in the stomach
- Oesophagus ulcers develop in the lower part of the oesophagus