It also occurs in the stomach. Ulcers less commonly occur in the esophagus. The esophagus is the food tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Peptic ulcer disease can be caused by different factors in different people. This condition may cause no symptoms at all in some people.
Stomach acid is thought to play a role in causing peptic ulcer disease.
A bacterial infection known as H. pylori may also be important in causing a person's ulcer. Ulcers may also be caused by the use of certain pain medications. Each of these factors breaks down the natural protective lining of the digestive tract. Inherited factors are also thought to play a role in ulcer formation. Untreated peptic ulcer disease may cause a hole in the digestive tract, bleeding, inflammation, or abnormal connections between abdominal organs.