The sores that develop in the lining of the lower esophagus, stomach or small intestine are called peptic ulcers . They are a common health problem which occurs due to a bacterial infection, which causes inflammation, or due to the erosion of the organs from stomach acids.

Types of ulcers
Peptic ulcers can be categorized into three types depending on their location. The sores that develop inside the stomach are called gastric ulcers. The ulcers inside the esophagus are called oesophageal ulcers, and the ulcers present in the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum are named as duodenal ulcers.

The common causes of peptic ulcers are excessive smoking and drinking alcohol, stomach cancer, Helicobacter Pylori infection, frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs and radiation therapy. Nausea, change in appetite, indigestion, bloody stools, chest pain, and vomiting, are some symptoms of the disorder. The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Tips to prevent peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers can be prevented by making some changes in your lifestyle and diet. Here are some useful tips to prevent peptic ulcers.

• Avoid sharing water bottles and food from people suffering from ulcers caused by H.Pylori bacterium. This bacterium spreads through the saliva and feces of the infected person.
• Drink water from clean sources. Avoid drinking water from sources which are infected with bacteria. Always carry your water bottle.
• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water, before you eat food. This will help you to be safe from the H.Pylori and other disease-causing bacteria.
• Avoid foods that irritate your stomach. Spicy foods, citrus fruits, and fatty foods are some examples. Avoid coffee as the caffeine present in coffee increases the production of acids which lead to peptic ulcers .
• Eating foods with healthy bacteria can increase the gut-friendly bacteria in the stomach, which helps in preventing ulcers. Consume foods such as yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk.
• People who smoke are more prone to develop duodenal ulcers rather than non-smokers. Quit smoking to reduce the chances.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol as alcohol abuse leads to the development of peptic ulcers.
• Do not take too many anti-inflammatory medicines. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with food as it reduces the damage caused by these drugs to the stomach lining. Older adults are more prone to develop peptic ulcers due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
• Regular exercise and mind-body relaxation techniques aid in reducing the inflammation in the body and help to prevent ulcers. Get at least 2 hours of exercise in a week to combat stress levels.

Peptic ulcers can be treated with a combination of medications, proper diet and following good hygiene. Visita doctor if you experience any symptoms of peptic ulcers. Consuming certain foods such as Aloe Vera juice, lemonade, apples, herbal teas, including ginger tea, fennel tea, chamomile tea, licorice extract, and cranberries can help you to manage the pain of ulcers.