For more information, call 877-729-2669 or visit www.dignityhealth.org/aetna.
What is a stomach or peptic ulcers?
About one in 10 Americans develops at least one ulcer during his or her lifetime. An ulcer is an open sore, or lesion, usually found on the skin or mucous membrane areas of the body.
In the past, it was believed lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused ulcers. Later, researchers determined that stomach acids - hydrochloric acid and pepsin - contributed to ulcer formation. Today, research shows that most ulcers (80 percent) of gastric ulcers and 90 percent of duodenal ulcers develop as a result of infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is believed that, although all three of these factors - lifestyle, acid and pepsin, and H. pylori - play a role in ulcer development, H. pylori is considered to be the primary cause, in most cases.
To find a doctor specializing in ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal disorders, please call (480) 728-5414, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.