Types of Stomach Ulcers

A stomach ulcer is a raw area of the stomach lining that causes a burning or aching stomach pain. Pain from a stomach ulcer usually occurs in the middle of upper abdomen, and many people who have a stomach ulcer mistake this pain for heartburn or acid reflux. The discomfort often occurs a few hours after a meal.

In a normal stomach, there's a layer of protective mucous that prevents the stomach from being digested or destroyed by its own stomach acid. But sometimes a breakdown occurs in this layer and hydrochloric acid causes an open sore or ulcer in this lining.

There can be a number of possible causes for a stomach ulcer.

Stomach Ulcer Types

There are several different kinds of stomach ulcers, and their names are often determined by their location in the digestive tract.

A duodenal ulcer or peptic ulcer is a stomach ulcer that occurs in the 12 inches (approximately) of the small intestines, just beyond the stomach.

A gastric ulcer is found inside the stomach itself. In general, peptic and duodenal ulcers are benign, but gastric stomach ulcers can be malignant. In other words, a person with a gastric ulcer could have stomach cancer.

Stomach ulcers sometimes cause additional complications, including bleeding. Bleeding occurs when an area of the stomach becomes so raw and open that the lining starts to bleed. This is known as a bleeding ulcer.

Stomach Ulcer Treatment

Stomach ulcer treatment is a serious matter and should be overseen and managed by a healthcare professional.

There are a number of medications used in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Medications that are designed to reduce stomach acid generally require a prescription. Medications designed to protect the stomach lining can usually be bought over the counter.

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