Understanding Gastric Ulcers A gastric ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of the stomach. The stomach wall is normally protected by a thick layer of mucus that shields it from digestive acid. When that protective barrier is compromised — whether by infection, medication, or lifestyle habits — stomach acid begins eroding the tissue beneath, forming a painful wound. Gastric ulcers fall under the broader category of peptic ulcers, which also includes duodenal ulcers (forming in the upper small intestine). While both involve acid damage, gastric ulcers are specifically located within the stomach itself, and they tend to be more persistent and harder to heal than their duodenal counterparts. Left unmanaged, gastric ulcers can progress to serious complications including internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach wall, and obstruction of food passage — all of which require urgent medical attention. How Do You Know If You Have One? Key Symptoms Gastric ulcer symp...