Peptic Disease (Ulcers)

Peptic ulcers are sores in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. They form when the protective layer of the stomach is worn down.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can include burning pain between the navel and breastbone, bloating, vomiting, loss of appetite. Some people have no symptoms at all.

Treatment can cure most ulcers, and symptoms usually go away quickly.

The best way for you and your doctor to know for sure if you have an ulcer is to undergo a procedure, called an Upper Endoscopy. This procedure allows a physician to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. If needed, small samples of tissue (called biopsies) may be taken. There is no pain or sensation when a biopsy is taken. An endoscopy is done by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases.