Which type of ulcers are characterized by increased acid production?

Duodenal ulcers are indeed characterized by increased acid production. In these types of ulcers, the high levels of gastric acid contribute to the erosion of the duodenal lining. This increase in acid is often associated with conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infection and lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, and certain dietary patterns.

Understanding the pathophysiology of duodenal ulcers is key; they usually occur due to an imbalance between aggressive factors (like gastric acid and pepsin) and protective factors (such as the mucosal barrier). When there is excessive acid, it overwhelms the defense mechanisms of the duodenum, leading to ulceration.

While gastric ulcers also involve acid production, they are more related to factors like mucosal injury and are often influenced by NSAID use or H. pylori, but they don't typically have the same marked increase in acid secretion as duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcers is a broader category that includes both duodenal and gastric ulcers; however, they do not specifically denote an increase in acid production. Esophageal ulcers are generally associated with acid reflux but do not primarily correlate with increased acid production in the same way as duodenal ulcers.