Stomach ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, are breaks in the lining of the stomach that have been eroded by the acid and other digestive juices in the stomach. SteadyHealth.com states that more than 3 million Americans are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer each year. There have been studies that link peptic ulcers to various conditions and situations. A knowledge of these causes can help patients be more aware about their chances of developing a stomach ulcer.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a bacteria that has been shown to infect the lining of the stomach and other parts of the digestive system. MayoClinic.com reports that one in 5 people younger than 30 years are infected with H. pylori, and more than half of individuals over age 60 are infected. Infection with H. pylori is the single most common cause of peptic ulcer. Sometimes the bacteria do not cause any problems, but there are instances where the bacteria weakens the lining of the stomach and allows acid and other digestive enzymes to attack the stomach.
Chronic Use of Certain Medicines
According to Merck.com chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can cause stomach ulcers. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve). MayoClinic.com asserts that these drugs decrease the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that help coat and protect the lining of the stomach. Without these substances, the formation of ulcers is more easily accomplished.
Smoking
Merck.com.com lists smoking as one of the causes of peptic ulcers. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine that can increase the production of stomach acid in the stomach. More acid may lead to the development of an ulcer. Furthermore, ulcers in people who smoke heal slower when compared to ulcers in non-smokers.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can aid in the erosion of the lining of the stomach and can increase the amount of stomach acid produced. According to MayoClinic.com, it is not clear whether such erosion can cause an ulcer or just advance the progress of an existing ulcer.
Stress
Merck.com indicates that stress does contribute to the formation of an ulcer, but cannot be linked as a cause of the ulcer. Stressful situations may make the patient more vulnerable to other causes of peptic ulcer.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
SteadyHealth.com reports that Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause stomach ulcers. This rare genetic disease is characterized by the increased production of stomach acid. The regulatory mechanisms that usually control the rate of acid production are nonfunctioning in patients that suffer from the disease. Increased stomach acid can contribute to the development of an ulcer.
Spicy Foods
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that though many people believe that spicy foods can cause ulcers, there has been no link between any kind of food and stomach ulcers. However, spicy or salty food can aggravate an existing ulcer or delay the healing of an old ulcer.
