Peptic disorders include gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastroesophageal reflux. They involve damage to the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine). These disorders are usually caused by stomach acids (especially hydrochloric acid), digestive enzymes (especially pepsin), infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and use of certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Last full review/revision October 2006 by Sidney Cohen, MD