Peptic Ulcer Disease: The Silent Gut Condition You Should Never Ignore
A gastroenterologist often sees patients only after months—or even years—of ignored stomach pain, burning sensations, or unexplained nausea. Peptic ulcer disease is one of those conditions that quietly progresses until it disrupts daily life. Despite being common, it remains widely misunderstood, frequently dismissed as “just acidity” or stress. This article dives deep into peptic ulcers—what they are, why they occur, how they affect the body, and why early awareness can prevent serious complications. What Is a Peptic Ulcer? A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers form when the protective mucosal layer of the digestive tract breaks down, allowing acid to damage the tissue beneath. There are two primary types: Gastric ulcers – occur in the stomach Duodenal ulcers – occur in the small intestine Both types share similar causes and symptoms but differ slightly in how pain pr...