Ulcers are sores that occur on the lining of the digestive tract. The digestive tract is made up of the stomach, esophagus, duodenum (the starting point of the intestines) and the intestines. The vast majority of ulcers are located in the duodenum, but they occur in other places as well.
Types
Some of the most common types of ulcers are gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Ulcers are generally named for their location within the body. Some less common and lesser known ulcers are bleeding ulcers, esophageal ulcers, refractory ulcers and stress ulcers.
Function
In the common ulcer types, peptic ulcers are ulcers that have been exposed to any amount of pepsin. They are usually found on the duodenum or stomach lining. Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers located in the stomach. Gastric ulcer symptoms are more defined than others. Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers that are located in the duodenum. Duodenum ulcers begin in the starting point of the small intestine and are the most common in Western society.
Theories/Speculation
As for the less common ulcers, stress ulcers are lacerations or lesions in the stomach, esophagus or duodenum. They usually occur in severely stressed or ill individuals. Refractory ulcers are peptic ulcers that have not been healed or resolved even after 3 months of treatment. Esophageal ulcers are ulcers that happen toward the bottom of the esophagus. They are usually related to acid reflux. Bleeding ulcers occur due to untreated peptic ulcers. These are by the most dangerous ulcer types and require immediate medical attention.
Warning
Almost all types of stomach ulcers (between 80 percent to 90 percent) are caused by an infection of a bacteria called H. pylori (helicobacter pylori bacteria). This type of bacteria is very strong and therefore very difficult to treat. Though many people think ulcers are caused by consuming spicy foods or experiencing excessive stress, they are usually caused by this bacteria.
Identification
Canker sores are also known as aphthous mouth ulcers. They are painful and can occur anywhere in the mouth, including on the tongue. They are more commonly found in women; at least 20 percent of people get these mouth ulcers at some point during their lives. Many factors can cause them, including injury (such as hitting your mouth hard with the toothbrush), allergies, genetics (they are usually hereditary), anxiety and stress.
Tags: peptic ulcers, ulcers peptic, ulcers peptic ulcers, ulcers that, digestive tract, esophagus duodenum