You have a peptic ulcer if you get open sores in the lining of your stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. That happens when your stomach acids etch away your digestive tract's protective layer of mucus. You may have no symptoms, or you may feel discomfort or burning pain.

Is having an ulcer serious?

Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious and potentially life threatening. The main complications include: bleeding at the site of the ulcer. the stomach lining at the site of the ulcer splitting open (perforation)

What is ulcer a symptom of?

There are many things that cause mouth ulcers. The most common cause is injury (such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek). Other causes include aphthous ulceration, certain medications, skin rashes in the mouth, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, chemicals and some medical conditions.