Debby Foy, age 10, of McAllen, Texas, for her question:

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE GET STOMACH ULCERS?

An ulcer is an open sore in the skin or mucous membrane. Many people have peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the lining structure in the stomach. Even more have peptic ulcers in the duodenum, the part of the intestine immediately below the stomach.

 Some of the causes or conditions that may lead to stomach ulcers include heredity, nervous strain, poor circulation or bad diet. But too much gastric juice is considered the real cause of stomach ulcers. Excess acid in the stomach keeps the ulcer from healing andhelps keep it chronic. Ulcers of this kind usually cause pain or distress in the pit of the stomach.

Stomach ulcers may sometimes bleed and are most dangerous when they perforate or eat through the organ. This may lead to peritonitis. Stomach ulcers are treated with alkaline drugs and careful diet.

Some ulcers require surgery. , Ulcers are likely to form on some part of the body which has poor blood circulation. Even a small injury on that part may lead to ulceration. It is important to heal ulcers to prevent other health problems from occurring.