Peptic ulcer disease refers to the formation of ulcers in the gastric or duodenal mucosa. It is most commonly caused by excessive NSAID use or Helicobacter pylori infection. The incidence of peptic ulcers that are H pylori positive has been decreasing over the past few decades. Both gastric and duodenal ulcers are characterized by a burning epigastric pain. Gastric ulcer pain typically worsens with food intake; pain from duodenal ulcers is often alleviated with food intake. Prolonged steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged intubation, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can predispose to ulcer formation as well. It may be difficult to identify the cause of the ulcers.

The primary complications of peptic ulcers are acute bleeding with blood loss anemia and perforation due to ulcer erosion through the mucosal wall. These complications require either endoscopic or surgical intervention.