The document discusses peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum caused by acid and pepsin attacks. It states that the major cause of peptic ulcers is Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which colonizes the gastric mucous and causes increased acid production through urease activity. H. pylori infection leads to chronic ulceration due to the weakening of the mucosal resistance from its protease enzymes and the resulting acid and pepsin digestion of the mucosa.