Sometimes a break develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. These breaks are ulcers, and they typically appear in the duodenal bulb. Duodenal ulcers can cause dull aches or burning sensations in the abdomen. They have many causes, including certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and even stress. Duodenal ulcers differ from stomach ulcers in location, and also in that eating may resolve rather than worsen the former's symptoms. Doctors provide different treatments depending on the cause.

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