Stomach ulcers are sores that vary in size from one-eighth of an inch to around three-fourth of an inch. They usually develop on the lining of the stomach, and as such are also known as gastric ulcers or peptic ulcers. It is estimated that around twenty million people in the US suffer from stomach ulcers at least once in their lifetime; and around four million people require some type of treatment for the ulcers.

One of the main causes for stomach ulcers is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The bacterium releases an acid that has a corrosive action the on lining of the stomach and results in ulcers. Nearly sixty percent of the ulcers caused in the stomach are due to this bacterium, which sometime proliferates in the stomach.

Some types of medications can also lead to stomach ulcers. These include medication for arthritis and high blood pressure. Also, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can lead to stomach ulcers if taken for a prolonged period of time.

Other causes for stomach ulcers include stress, over-consumption of alcohol, smoking or eating foods that contain high amounts of acids.

Treatment for stomach ulcers actually starts with a positive diagnosis. A doctor will perform an endoscopy or a barium meal test. Once it is confirmed, the treatment protocol will begin.

The first step in treatment involves reducing or completely eradication the H. pylori bacterium from the stomach. Once this is achieved, then the next involves reducing the amount of hydrochloric acid that the body produces. And, finally the person has to make certain lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, refraining from alcohol and avoiding spicy food.

In case the ulcer is caused due to a medication, then that medication is stopped. If the medication is necessary for some other health issue, then an alternative is given. Sometimes, even drugs are used to treat the ulcers. Here a person has to undergo a strict regimen of taking some drugs to reduce the number of bacterium. This will usually take around two to three weeks. Then, the person is put medication to reduce the acid production. This process lasts for around eight weeks. And finally, as mentioned above, the person will be asked not to eat spicy food. 

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