Fallacy: Peptic ulcer disease is most prevalent among persons under stress.

The facts are that peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum and occur in many people. According to some studies, ulcers have been found to be more common among people in lower socioeconomic groups.

Fact: Cigarette smokers are about twice as likely to have ulcers as nonsmokers.

The fact is that current research indicates an association between smoking cigarettes and peptic ulcer disease. This applies to both gastric (stomach) and duodenal ulcers and to both men and women. Also, ulcers heal slower and recur more often in cigarette smokers than in nonsmokers.

Fact: People who take aspirin regularly increase their risk of getting a gastric ulcer.

The fact is that people who take aspirin 4 or more days a week for 3 or more months increase their risk of getting a gastric ulcer. Also, aspirin increases the likelihood of bleeding from an ulcer.

Fallacy: Peptic ulcers should be treated with a bland diet.

The fact is that there is little agreement about what the term "bland" means. Also, there is little indication that any particular diet is helpful for all peptic ulcer patients. Although some patients find that coffee or extremely spicy foods are bothersome, each person has to find out for him/herself which foods, if any, cause distress.