*Stomach ulcer* ➖Also called: peptic ulcer A sore that develops on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine. ➖Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. *Common causes* include the bacteria H. Pylori *What causes ulcers?* Stomach ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can break down the stomach's defence against the acid it produces to digest food. The stomach lining then becomes damaged causing an ulcer to form *Peptic ulcers* are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain. *Peptic ulcers include:* Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach *Duodenal ulcers* that occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum) *Symptoms* ✅Burning stomach pain ✅Feeling of fullness, ✅bloating or belching ✅Intolerance to fatty foods ✅Heartburn ✅Nausea *Less often, ulcers may cause severe signs or symptoms such as:* ✅Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black ✅Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry ✅Trouble breathing ✅Feeling faint ✅Nausea or vomiting ✅Unexplained weight loss ✅Appetite changes *you may have an increased risk of peptic ulcers if you:* ➖Smoke. Smoking may increase the risk of peptic ulcers in people who are infected with H. pylori. ➖Drink alcohol. Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of your stomach, and it increases the amount of stomach acid that's produced. ➖Have untreated stress. ➖Eat spicy foods