Stomach ulcers, also known as
gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Similar ulcers can occur in bit of
intestine just beyond the stomach, known as duodenal ulcers. Both stomach and duodenal ulcers are
sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers. Here the term “stomach ulcer” will be
used, although the following information applies equally to duodenal ulcers.
The most common symptom of a stomach
ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen.
Schematic diagram showing the sites of the different ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) system.