INFO-INFO-GRAPHIC,,A.D.A.M. Software Inc.; ILLUSTRATION,,Jem Sullivan CAPTION:Twenty percent of Americans with ulcers have them in the lining of the stomach (shown in Fig. 1). Most ulcers are in the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine (Fig. 2). These tend to be smaller than stomach ulcers and heal more quickly. CAPTION:Resources The latest information about H. pylori and ulcers, including current recommendations to consumers on how to treat H. pylori infections, is available at no cost from the National Institutes of Health in its publication "Helicobacter Pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease," released in conjunction with the consensus development conference held on the NIH campus two weeks ago. Copies can be ordered by calling 800-644-6627. Georgetown is one of eight medical centers around the country testing three ways of treating patients with duodenal ulcers. Patients will be divided into three groups. One group will receive traditional antacid medication. A second will receive antibiotics. The third group will receive both antacids and antibiotics. The study, underwritten by the pharmaceutical industry, is designed to determine which treatment works best, with the fewest side effects and the least cost. Patients with ulcer symptoms can be screened at no charge by calling Georgetown at 202-342-2400. CAPTION: Twenty percent of Americans with ulcers have them in the lining of the stomach (shown in Fig. 1). Most ulcers are in the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine (Fig. 2). These tend to be smaller than stomach ulcers and heal more quickly. CAPTION: ULCERS AT A GLANCE - An ulcer is a sore or raw lesion most commonly found in the stomach or the duodenum - the beginning of the small intestine. Ulcers are caused by an excess of acid, prolonged use of some painkillers, other digestive secretions, and by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which can weaken the lining of the stomach or duodenum. - About 4.4 million Americans reported having chronic ulcer problems in 1992. More than 6,000 die annually of complications from ulcers. - Ulcers are uncommon among children and teenagers. Duodenal ulcers appear most often between ages 30 and 50. Stomach ulcers are more likely among people over 60. - Strong pain in the abdomen between the lower end of the breastbone and the navel is the most common symptom. The pain frequently comes between meals or at night. Ulcers also may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight, weakness and blood in vomiting or stools. Some ulcers, however, do not cause symptoms. - Cigarette smoking increases the risk of getting an ulcer. Prolonged use of some painkillers, including aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (brand names Motrin, Advil and Nuprin) and naproxen (Naprosyn or Anaprox), may lead to an ulcer. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases