Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Individuals of any age can develop an ulcer and men and women are affected equally. Over 25 million Americans will suffer from an ulcer at some point during their lifetime. The good news is that most ulcers are caused by an infection with the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and can be cured with a two week course of antibiotics.
Ulcer Facts
Most ulcers are caused by an infection, not spicy food, acid or stress. The most common symptom of an ulcer is burning pain in the stomach. Your doctor can test you for an H. pylori infection. Antibiotics are the new cure for ulcers if it is caused by a bacteria. Eliminating H. pylori infections with antibiotics means that your ulcer can be cured.