Peptic Ulcers Causes & Risk Factors - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Digestive Diseases

Peptic Ulcers

Causes & Risk Factors

There are various causes for peptic ulcers which include:

Helicobacter pylori:
Helicobacter pylori are small, microaerophilic, spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacteria which cause duodenal ulcer, a type of peptic ulcer(5).

The bacterium weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum allowing the acids and bacteria to irritate the lining and cause a sore or ulcer.

It is important to note here that Helicobacter pylori survives the strong stomach acid by secreting enzymes that neutralize the acid (6).

Drugs:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn) and etodolac (Lodine) are painkillers, but also the causal agents for ulcers by interfering with prostaglandins (Prostaglandins help the gut linings from resisting corrosive acid damage) (7).

Smoking:
Cigarette smoking causes ulcers and increases the risk of ulcer bleeding, stomach obstruction and perforation. Smoking also leads to failure in ulcers medication treatment (7).

Alcohol:
Over consumption of alcohol irritates and erodes the mucous lining of stomach leading to increased production of acid consequently causing ulcerations (8).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com