Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, intestine and esophagus.

Types include; Gastric ulcer-sore that occur on the lining of your stomach. Duodenal ulcer-sore that occur on the inside lining of the first part of the small intestine(duodenum). Esophageal ulcer-sore that occur on the lining of the esophagus.

Causes of peptic ulcer

The most common cause of peptic ulcer is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Other causes include: Regular use of certain pain killers: -Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs which can irritate the lining of the stomach and the intestine e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen,paracetamol,diclofenac tabs etc. Also, smoking and excessive intake of alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestinal lining.

Signs and symptoms include; abdominal pain, chest pain or heartburn, bloated stomach, frequent belching, flatulence, nausea (feel like vomiting), loss of appetite.

Prevention: Avoid the intake of contaminated foods and drinks, avoid regular use of pain killers, smoking and too much intake of alcohol should be avoided, avoid the intake of acidic foods like orange, pineapple, tangerine on empty stomach.

NOTE: Report to the Clinic/Hospital for diagnoses and treatment.