What causes ulcers?

Answer 1

A peptic ulcer is an area of damage to the inner lining of the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Over 25 million Americans will have a peptic ulcer at some point in their lifetime. People of all ages can suffer from ulcers. Men and women are equally affected.

Peptic ulcers were formerly thought to be caused by stress, coffee consumption, or spicy foods. Now it is clear that about 60% of peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection that can usually be cured. Another 20% are caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, etc.), and another 20% have miscellaneous causes such as cigarettes or no clear cause.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was established as the leading cause of peptic ulcers in the early 1980s. It was also found to cause gastritis(inflammation of the stomach lining), and, in Asian populations, cancer of the stomach.

Answer 2

UlcersIn general, an ulcer is a lesion that can occur along the mucous membranes of the body or on the skin. Typically ulcers refer to those that occur in the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. Peptic ulcers (in the stomach) occur when the protective lining of the stomach erodes, allowing gastric juices to corrode tissue and create a painful open sore.

It was commonly thought that peptic ulcers were caused by stress; however, there is no evidence to support a psychological basis for the formation of ulcers. Instead, most peptic ulcers are due to an infection of Helicobacter pylori, which disrupts the protective mucous layer. Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also cause ulcers in certain concentrations.