What is the term for an open sore or lesion of the mucous membrane in the stomach or duodenum?

The term for an open sore or lesion of the mucous membrane in the stomach or duodenum is peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers occur when the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract is damaged, often due to the effects of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. This damage can lead to the formation of ulcers that can cause pain and discomfort.

Peptic ulcers can be classified as gastric ulcers (occurring in the stomach) or duodenal ulcers (occurring in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine). The causes of peptic ulcers can include infection with Helicobacter pylori, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and excessive alcohol consumption, among other risk factors.

Other options, such as gastroparesis, GERD, and ulcerative colitis, refer to different conditions. Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) involves acid reflux into the esophagus, and ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications for health that differentiate them from peptic ulcers.