A variety of ulcers exist--peptic, gastric and duodenal. The Mayo Clinic states that peptic ulcers are common, affecting 10 percent of Americans at some point in their lives. These ulcers do have one thing in common, and that is their cause. While all are treatable, knowing how to prevent them before they develop may be the best treatment of all.
Helicobacter Pylori
Also known as H. pylori, this bacteria lives and reproduces in the mucous layer of the stomach and small intestine that covers and protects the tissues of these areas. The Mayo Clinic states that, at times, this bacteria can become disruptive, causing the lining of your stomach to become inflamed, resulting in an ulcer.
While it's still not clear how this bacteria spreads, the Mayo Clinic states close contact between people, such as kissing, may be one method. Another may be through food and water.
While the most common cause of peptic ulcers, affecting one in five people under the age of 30 in the United States and half of those over the age of 60, other factors exist that may aggravate them.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol, when drank in excess, can irritate and wear away the protective mucous lining of your stomach. This allows for an increase in the production of stomach acid, which may increase your chances of developing an ulcer. The Mayo Clinic does state that it is not certain whether this factor in and of itself creates the ulcer or only worsens the symptoms of an existing ulcer.
Smoking
Not only does smoking cigarettes increase your risk of developing an ulcer by increasing both the amount and concentration of stomach acid produced, which wears away at the lining of your stomach, it also slows down the healing time when being treated for an ulcer.
Stress
Stress is not necessarily a cause of ulcers; however, the Mayo Clinic feels it is a contributing factor. It can aggravate the symptoms that cause the ulcer and may delay the healing of your ulcer. Examples of stress include emotional circumstances, financial problems, physical or health problems and an upcoming surgery.
Pain Relievers
BUPA states that the second most common cause of peptic ulcers is pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This class of medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
While many people can take these medications without cause for concern, when taken consistently for a long period of time, they may damage the lining of your stomach, resulting in a peptic ulcer.
