What Causes Ulcers?

The surface of the openings in our body is coated with a thin lining and an ulcer is referred to as a wound or a break in that lining or mucous membrane. But ulcer more commonly pertains to an opening in the digestive system. Ulcers may have different classifications depending on the wounded part of the digestive system. If it occurs in the upper part of the small intestine, which is called duodenum, it is known as duodenal ulcer. If the break is in the stomach, it is known as gastric ulcer. Probably the most common term that we use is peptic ulcer, which generally occurs in the upper part of the digestive system. Such wound is open to gastric acid. A huge percentage of peptic ulcers are in the duodenum and males ages 20 to 45 are more prone to get the sickness. On the other hand, a part of peptic ulcers account for gastric ulcers. Based on studies, gastric ulcers are more common to males ages 55 to 70. Ulcers come with symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, frequent burping, and many more. But why do ulcers develop in the first place? Here are some causes that professionals blame.

1. Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is a type of bacteria that is pointed out to be the culprit of most ulcer cases. The bacteria can be found in the stomach which weakens its lining. The acids secreted by the stomach then get into these thin tissues. Both the bacteria and acid work together to irritate and damage the mucous membrane causing ulcer.
2. Usually, the stomach protects itself from digestive fluids, like acid and pepsin. It coats its tissues by producing a lubricant to work as a shield from such strong fluids. The stomach also secretes bicarbonate which helps in the neutralization of the acid and pepsin to make them less destructive. If the production of lubricant and bicarbonate is not working well, digestive enzymes contribute in developing ulcers.
3. Some drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), also play a role in the formation of ulcers. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin are part of NSAIDs. These contribute in weakening the protective mechanisms of the stomach. These drugs can obstruct the stomach’s capacity to generate lubricant and bicarbonate. This then allows the acid and pepsin to react destructively.
4. There are researches that relate smoking to ulcer development. If you have existing ulcer, smoking can be a factor in the slow down of the healing of wound.
5. Lastly, caffeine can also cause formation of ulcer since it contributes in the secretion of acid in the stomach. This is why taking large amounts of beverage or food that contains caffeine is not advisable.