Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition characterized by open sores or ulcers that develop on the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine, particularly the duodenum (duodenal ulcers)

. These ulcers occur when the protective mucous lining of the digestive tract is eroded by stomach acid and digestive enzymes like pepsin, leading to damage of the tissue beneath

. The most common causes of peptic ulcer disease are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin

. Other risk factors include smoking, older age, and previous history of ulcers

. Symptoms often include burning or dull stomach pain, which may worsen or improve with eating depending on ulcer location, bloating, belching, nausea, and in severe cases, bleeding that can cause vomiting of blood or black stools

. Some people, especially older adults, may have no symptoms

. Complications of peptic ulcer disease can be serious and include bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall), penetration into nearby organs, and obstruction that blocks food passage

. Diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms and confirmed by endoscopy or tests for H. pylori infection

. Treatment involves medications to reduce stomach acid (such as proton pump inhibitors), eradication of H. pylori with antibiotics if present, and avoidance of NSAIDs

. In summary, peptic ulcer disease is a digestive tract disorder involving painful sores in the stomach or duodenum caused mainly by H. pylori infection or NSAID use, with symptoms ranging from stomach pain to serious complications if untreated