Ed Yaroch, age 17, of Dell Rapids, S.D., for his question:

WHAT CAUSES STOMACH ULCERS?

Ulcers of the stomach lining are called peptic ulcers. An ulcer is an open sore in mucous membrane or the skin that breaks down and dies, leaving a raw area that heals slowly.

Many people have ulcers of the duodenum, that part of the intestine immediately below the stomach.  i Stomach ulcers can be caused by heredity, nervous strain, poor circulation or bad diet. But too much gastric juice is considered the real cause of these ulcers.

Excess acid in the stomach keeps the ulcer from healing and helps keep it chronic. Ulcers of this kind usually cause pain or distress in the pit of the stomach. They may sometimes bleed and are most dangerous when they perforate, or eat through the organ.

Stomach ulcers are treated with alkaline drugs and careful diet. Surgery is sometimes necessary.