Peptic ulcer/Helicobactor pylori facts and figures

A peptic ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive system. Peptic ulcers can occur in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the duodenum – the part of the small intestine immediately after the stomach (duodenal ulcer).

• 5–10% of the world population suffer from a peptic ulcer at least once in their lifetime. 
  
  
• Peptic ulcers affect both men and women. 
  
  
• They occur most frequently in early middle age onwards. 
  
  
• Duodenal ulcers are the most common type of ulcer. 
  
  
• Gastric ulcers occur most often in the elderly.