Peptic Ulcer

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“Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine as a result of an imbalance of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. These acidic digestive juices are secreted by the cells of the stomach. Named for where they are found, “peptic ulcers are a very common and often reoccurring health problem, and it is estimated that more than 20 million Americans will experience a peptic ulcer in their lifetime” (Cleveland).
Gastric ulcers occur on the inside of the stomach. These are often the result of bacterium Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes stomach infection, inflammation and cancer. Heliobacter pylori produce toxic molecules that weaken the stomach's protective mucus, therefore, making it more susceptible to the damaging effects of gastric acids, and thus producing more acid. According to MedlinePlus, researchers speculate it may be spread by unclean food and water, since it is found in about two-thirds of the world’s population.
Esophageal ulcers are found on the inside of the stomach lining. They occur within the muscular hollow tube called the esophagus, which carries food from the throat to the stomach. In severe cases, when there is a reflux of gastric juices through the cardiac sphincter, it can ultimately perforate and cause severe inflammation of the tissues that surround it, the heart, and tissue between the lungs.
Duodenal ulcers are the most common, occurring on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine called the duodenum. This results when the acid chyme, a semifluid mass of partially digested food, is expelled by the stomach into the duodenum. This chime is not completely neutralized when entering through the pyloric sphincter, thus producing erosions a...

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