What is an ulcer?

Ulcers are sores on the lining of your digestive tract. Your digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. These ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.

Symptoms

Possible signs of an ulcer

Feel better when you eat or drink and then worse 1 or 2 hours later (duodenal ulcer)Feel worse when you eat or drink (gastric ulcer)Stomach pain that wakes you up at nightFeel full fastHeavy feeling, bloating, burning or dull pain in your stomachVomitingUnexpected weight loss

An ulcer is formed when the thick mucosal layer that protects the sensitive cells lining the inside of the stomach (or esophagus or duodenum) is eroded, exposing the internal delicate cell lining. The digestive juices eat away at the exposed lining to cause a wound or an “ulcer.” Duodenal ulcers (that form in the part of the small intestine closest to the stomach) are the most common, followed by stomach ulcers and finally esophageal (formed in the food pipe) ulcers, which are comparatively rare.

Ulcers can be due to many reasons but the underlying cause is almost alway bacteria

Mastic gum is a resin from the tree Mastic gum is a resin (the gummy exudate) secreted by the tree Pistacia lentiscus that grows mainly on the Greek island of Chios. This tree is also known as Chios mastic and the resin of this tree has been used by the people of the Mediterranean and North African region for centuries to treat ailments of the stomach and mouth, fungal infections, respiratory problems, and even bad breath. Mastic gum is now being considered for its ability to treat gastritis, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and inflammatory bowel disease.