In medicine, the term ulcer is used to describe the actual erosion of the mucous lining the stomach and the small intestine. They also refer to it as peptic ulcer. The big majority of peptic ulcers are found in the duodenum, which is the first portion of the small intestine immediately coming out of the stomach. This types of ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Other parts of the digestive tract that can also develop ulcers are the esophagus and jejunum. Some 10 to 12 % of the worlds population suffer from this terrible disorder.

Symptoms in peptic ulcer can vary a lot from person to person. The most frequently encountered though is a sharp burning pain felt in the upper abdomen. This usually happens either immediately after eating or some 2 or 3 hours later. Some people have described the pain as being dull, piercing, burning and even gnawing. Usually the pain goes away if food is eaten. The actual process is that when the levels of acid in the stomach become to elevated they start affecting the lining and the wall. The fact is that because of the wear and tare of the wall nerves are exposed to the direct action of the harmful acid. Other things that can cause pain are excessive movement or eating large amounts of food.

Studies and tests done have found that a bacteria is to blame for the entire ravages caused by this disease. This is called helicobacter pylori. Correct diagnosing was actually quite hard to do until some time ago. Endoscopys and biopsy where almost certainly needed. But with the help of modern technology, scientist have just discovered a new way of correctly diagnosing ulcer and the cause of them. A simple breath test is now available, through the use of carbon 13 urea, a natural non-radioactive compound. They are very easy to use and can definitely tell if the bacteria H. pylori is present and responsible for the ulcer. The best thing about this new wonder of medicine is that it's as accurate as and endoscopy with biopsy test.

Smocking of cigarettes is probably one of the biggest risks when dealing with the probability if developing ulcer. Again some medical drugs are also responsible for triggering this illness in some people. Drugs as common as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications. This are responsible for more than 5% in duodenal cancer and more than 20 % in the case of gastric ulcer.

Some other factors that can cause the installing of the ulcer are other drugs and heavy use of alcohol. Stress and an unnatural way of life are again very big risk factors.