Peptic Ulcers

Overview

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of your stomach, esophagus or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). An ulcer often causes burning pain that can worsen when your stomach is empty. Peptic ulcers can lead to internal bleeding (bleeding ulcer), infection or other digestive problems. Medication can manage your pain and encourage healing.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat thousands of people with peptic ulcers.
• Cutting-edge medicine. Mayo Clinic doctors use the most advanced techniques available to analyze the bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers. Accurate analysis helps your doctor identify medication that can kill the bacteria.
• Team approach. Peptic ulcers can be caused or complicated by medications you take for other health problems, including heart disease. At Mayo Clinic, specialists in digestive diseases (gastroenterology) work with your primary care doctor to manage your problem.
• Time for you. Your Mayo Clinic doctor will take time to listen, discuss options and answer your questions about peptic ulcers.
• New ideas. Mayo Clinic researchers are studying new ways to suppress stomach acid and to treat bleeding ulcers. You have access to the expertise of Mayo's clinician-researchers.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about peptic ulcers.