New Delhi, April 10 -- Smoking, drinking too much alcohol or a variety of medical factors such as stomach cancer or even radiation therapy can cause peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers can be defined as damage or sores on the lining of the digestive track; stomach, esophagus and small intestine. These sores are caused because of a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stomach, and may lead to a burning sensation in your stomach, among other side effects.

Peptic ulcers are a fairly common problem. According to the US National Institute of Health, people stand a 5 to 10 percent risk of developing it. Peptic ulcers are caused when there is an imbalance in digestive juices. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can al...