I have been doing research on ulcers. Peptic and duodenal. Can you please tell me the difference between them or if they are both gastric ulcers. I still don’t understand and everything I read seems to contradict each other. What is the difference between peptic, duodenal & gastric or are they the same?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

Peptic ulcer means that the ulcer is caused by gastric (stomach) acid. An enzyme called pepsin, which is secreted by the stomach lining and activated by the acid (also secreted by the stomach lining), also plays a role here.

Gastric ulcer means that the ulcer is in the stomach lining.

Duodenal ulcer means that the ulcer is in the lining of the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine.

Both gastric and duodenal ulcers are usually peptic ulcers (remember, peptic means that it’s caused by stomach acid).

There are some other types of ulcers that are not peptic ulcers (not caused by acid), but they are rare. These include ulcers caused by Crohn’s disease, Bechet’s disease and cancer.

Most (about 90%) of peptic ulcers are the result of infection with bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. The bacterium produces substances that weakens the stomach’s protective mucus. If a peptic ulcer is found, antibiotic treatment is given to treat the Helicobacter infection.

Other risk factors for peptic ulcers include smoking, alcoholism, caffeine, stress, and use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Discuss this topic on the Health Forum

   More answers in Abdominal, Family Doctor, Internal Medicine, Stomach-Colon-IBS-Reflux, Surgery