Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Peptic
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Peptic is an adjective that refers to any part of the body that normally has an acidic lumen. ‘Peptic’ is medical and veterinary terminology, most often used in the context of humans.
Peptic anatomy
Peptic anatomy
The peptic areas of the human body under normal circumstances are the stomach and duodenum. A person with gastroesophageal reflux disease may have an acidic esophagus, particularly at the inferior (lower) end. Also, a person with a Meckel’s diverticulum may have cells that produce acid within the diverticulum and therefore may be prone to peptic ulcers and perforation.
A person with an unusual anatomy, such as one who has had a gastrectomy or an esophagectomy with transplantation of the ileum to replace the esophagus, may experience acidity in parts of the body that would not normally be acidic.
In all normal humans and in almost all humans, only the gastrointestinal tract is peptic.
Peptic diseases
Peptic diseases
A common problem with the peptic areas of the body is peptic ulcer. These ulcers are most commonly caused by bacteria, and not by the acidic environment.