Question: What Causes Peptic Ulcers?
Answer: Helicobacter pylori
Research studies have shown that most ulcers are caused by an infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori--also referred to as H. pylori. While the other factors listed below can also cause ulcers, H. pylori is now considered the primary cause of ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium is found in the stomach, and along with acid secretion can damage the tissue of the stomach and duodenal, causing inflammation and ulcers.
For further information on H. pylori, read more here.
Acid and pepsin
These powerful digestive fluids are believed to contribute to the formation of ulcers. In ideal situations the stomach can protect itself from these fluids in severals ways. These are:
- The stomach produces a lubricant-like mucus that coats the stomach and shields stomach tissues.
- The stomach can produce a chemical called bicarbonate that neutralizes and breaks down digestive fluids into less harmful substances.
- Blood circulation in the lining of the stomach and cell renewal and repair help protect the stomach.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs stands for NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. The most commonly known NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Others are prescription NSAIDs used to treat several arthritic conditions. NSAIDs can make the stomach's defense mechanisms to fail in a couple of different ways:
- They can make the stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects of acid and pepsin by interferring with the stomach's ability to produce mucus and bicarbonate.
- They can affect the blood flow to the stomach and cell repair.
Smoking
Studies show that cigarette smoking can increase a person's chance of getting an ulcer. Smoking also slows the healing of existing ulcers and contributes to ulcer recurrence.
Caffeine
Beverages and foods that contain caffeine can stimulate acid secretion in the stomach. This can aggravate an existing ulcer, but the stimulation of stomach acid can't be attributed solely to caffeine.
Alcohol
While a link hasn't been found between alcohol consumption and peptic ulcers, ulcers are more common in people who have cirrhosis of the liver, a disease often linked to heavy alcohol consumption.
Stress
Emotional stress is no longer thought to be a cause of ulcers, but people who are experiencing emotional stress often report increase the pain of existing ulcers. Physical stress, however, is different. It can increase the risk of developing ulcers, especially in the stomach. Examples of physical stress that can lead to ulcers are that suffered by people with injuries such as severe burns and people undergoing major surgery.