Types of peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers are grouped by where they form and what causes them.

By location

• Gastric ulcer: in the stomach lining. Pain is often worse soon after eating, and weight loss is more common. Because a small number can be linked with stomach cancer, doctors usually check these with endoscopy and sometimes a biopsy.
• Duodenal ulcer: in the first part of the small intestine. This is more common. Pain often appears 2 to 3 hours after meals or at night and may ease with food.
• Oesophageal ulcer: in the lower food pipe, usually linked to acid reflux. It is sometimes grouped with peptic disease.

By cause

• H. pylori related ulcers: the most common type.
• NSAID-induced ulcers: linked to regular use of pain tablets, and often without warning pain.
• Stress ulcers: appear in people who are critically ill, for example in intensive care after major surgery or burns.
• Rare acid-excess ulcers: such as in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where multiple or unusual ulcers occur.

By course

• Uncomplicated: pain and discomfort only.
• Complicated: with bleeding, perforation (a hole through the wall) or blockage of the stomach outlet.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Traditional texts describe burning stomach conditions by dosha involvement, mostly Pitta, with Vata or Kapha features in some descriptions. This is a framework for understanding symptoms and is not a substitute for endoscopy or lab testing.

When to get help

Ask a doctor which type you have, because the cause decides the treatment.

Remember

Location and cause guide treatment. Gastric ulcers usually need a follow-up check to confirm healing.