The formation of sores inside the lining of the stomach is called stomach ulcers. These arise when there is a deficiency in the defensive mucus that lines the stomach.
To help digest food and protect against bacteria, the stomach produces and secretes a strong acid. It also secretes a thick layer of mucus to shield the body’s tissues from this acid. If the mucus layer is rubbed off and stops working properly, the acid in the stomach starts damaging the tissue – causing an ulcer.
An approximate one in ten people in Western countries at some point in their lives will have an ulcer in the stomach or small intestine. Stomach ulcers are pretty easy to cure, but if left untreated, they can cause major gut complications and other health problems.