- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Peptic Ulcers
May also be called: Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are painful sores in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine.
More to Know
Ulcers happen when something weakens the protective coating inside the stomach or intestine. This lets stomach acid and bacteria get through to the sensitive lining, causing irritation and ulcers. Stomach pain below the breastbone is the most common symptom of an ulcer.
The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are:
- infection with the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori)
- use of pain reliever medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen
Other medicines and serious illnesses also can cause ulcers.
Doctors treat ulcers based on what caused them. If bacteria are the problem, doctors prescribe antibiotics. If medicines are the cause, doctors might stop or change the medicine. Doctors will also give people medicines to reduce acid in the stomach.
Keep in Mind
Alcohol and smoking can aggravate an ulcer. Caffeine can cause the stomach to release more acid, making an ulcer worse. Unless a particular food is bothersome, most doctors don't recommend dietary restrictions.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.