Affecting millions of Americans each year, a stomach ulcer is a raw, open area in the normal lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers get their particular name depending on the exact location of the ulcer. For example, a duodenal or peptic ulcer is a stomach ulcer found in the first foot of small intestines past the stomach. A gastric ulcer is located inside the stomach itself. Although duodenal or peptic ulcers are almost always benign, it is important to remember that gastric or stomach ulcers can be malignant. Close medical management is critical.There are many people who suffer and have suffered from recurring ulcers. In the past, the only available treatment was acid-reducing treatment and patients often had to take these for many years. At that time, the medical profession never associated ulcers with bacteria, as the acid environment of the stomach did not provide a comfortable environment for bacteria. Then in 1994 scientists discovered that there was one bacterium that could survive and thrive not just in the human stomach but also in the stomach of any warm-blooded animal. The name of this organism is Helicobacter pylori commonly referred to as H pylori.H pylori can invade the stomach because nature has equipped it with protection against stomach acids. This organism can produce urease in very large quantities. Urease is an enzyme capable of generating ammonia. The ammonia produced by this enzyme neutralizes the acids produced by the stomach. So H pylori enclose itself in ammonia formed walls and then penetrates the enclose layer protecting the stomach from gastric acids. Once embedded into the protective layer, it thins it out and poisons the nearby cells with various toxins including ammonia. H pylori infection is more common in the elderly and low-income people. It occurs far more frequently in developing countries than in the United States.About 80-90% of all cases of stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter Pylori. Stomach ulcers can also be caused by a deterioration of the mucosal lining of the stomach that protects the stomach from acid. There are also other causes of stomach ulcers. These include excess acid production, the overuse of medications, and smoking. Doctors also cite genetic predisposition and stress as factors that can cause and trigger the development of ulcers. The use of certain medications, such as excessive use of aspirin, can worsen stomach ulcers.Symptoms of stomach ulcers are often similar to other disorders. Hence, patients may find it hard to determine if they have them or not. The burning feeling in the upper abdomen caused by stomach ulcers can be mistaken for heartburn. The level of pain and the length of the suffering vary with the individual. Loss of appetite and weight loss are also commonly experienced. Further symptoms are vomiting and bloody stool.Affecting millions of Americans each year, a stomach ulcer is a raw, open area in the normal lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers get their particular name depending on the exact location of the ulcer. For example, a duodenal or peptic ulcer is a stomach ulcer found in the first foot of small intestines past the stomach. A gastric ulcer is located inside the stomach itself. Although duodenal or peptic ulcers are almost always benign, it is important to remember that gastric or stomach ulcers can be malignant. Close medical management is critical.