{"id":14479,"date":"2020-03-30T06:19:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T06:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14479"},"modified":"2021-05-06T20:10:45","modified_gmt":"2021-05-06T20:10:45","slug":"14-common-causes-of-stomach-ulcer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-causes-of-stomach-ulcer\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Stomach Ulcer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ulcers, formally known as peptic ulcers, are open sores that develop along the interior lining of the stomach and the upper region of the small intestine. There are two types of peptic ulcers: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Duodenal. <\/em><\/strong>This type of ulcer occurs along the interior portion of the small intestine, or the duodenum; hence why they\u2019re referred to as duodenal ulcers. <\/li>
  2. Gastric.<\/strong> A gastric ulcer developed on the interior of the stomach, the upper part of the gastrointestinal system; hence why they\u2019re called gastric ulcers. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Symptoms of an ulcer vary according to the type and the severity; however, some of the most common symptoms include a burning sensation in the stomach, bloating, increased belching, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, heartburn, and nausea. Sometimes vomiting and unintentional weight loss may occur as it may be difficult to maintain a healthy diet. Some of the most common causes of ulcers include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Repeat the use of some kinds of pain relievers. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Certain types of prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as aspirin, can cause gastric and duodenal ulcers, especially when they are used for an extended period of time. These medications are known to cause inflammation or irritation within the lining of the stomach, as well as the lining of the small intestine. When taken for an extended amount of time, that inflammation <\/a>and irritation can cause open sores (ulcers) to develop on the stomach and the duodenum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Medications that are known to cause these adverse effects to include ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin, and naproxen sodium, such as Anaprox and Aleve; however, acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is not attributed with peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers most commonly occur in older adults who take these types of medications excessive or for a long period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    2. H.<\/strong> pylori bacteria. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Helicobacter (H.) pylori bacteria often live within the mucous <\/a>layer that runs along and protects the delicate tissues that line the interior of the small intestine and the stomach. Typically, this bacteria does not cause any issues; in fact, most people who become infected with H. pylori bacteria never experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, an infection of H. pylori bacteria can lead to an inflammation of the interior lining of the stomach, which can result in the formation of a gastric ulcer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cause of the spread of an H. pylori bacterial infection is not understood; however, medical experts and scientists do believe that it may be transmitted from one individual to another via close contact; kissing, for example. It is also believed that infections of H. pylori bacteria can be transmitted through diet when food and water that contain the bacteria is consumed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    3. Smoking.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s well-known that smoking has numerous adverse effects on health and well-being. It increases the risk of lung cancer, high blood pressure, oral health problems, and various other conditions. However, many people are surprised to learn that smoking cigarettes <\/a>can also increase the risk of developing a gastric ulcer; especially in people who are affected by H. pylori bacteria. Furthermore, smoking can slow the healing time of a peptic ulcer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The reason? \u2013 Cigarettes contain numerous contaminants that can interfere with the mechanisms that the body naturally produces to protect the lining of the stomach against highly acidic gastric acid. Under normal conditions, the body produces sodium bicarbonate, a naturally-occurring antacid, which neutralizes the acid in the stomach and the duodenum. Scientific evidence has suggested that cigarette smoking increases the amount of acid the stomach produces, thus increasing the risk of the development of both gastric and duodenal ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    4. Alcohol consumption. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    While health experts believe that light to moderate amounts of alcohol <\/a>consumption is safe. In fact, some medical professionals believe that moderate drinking may actually protect the lining of the stomach from H. pylori bacterium, the bacterium, which as mentioned above, can cause ulcers. However, excessive alcohol consumption, especially for prolonged periods of time, can lead to the development of peptic ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alcohol is harsh liquid, and when consumed in large quantities over long periods of time, it can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach. Eventually, that irritation and inflammation can cause bleeding, a condition known as gastritis. Moreover, excessively drinking large quantities of alcohol for prolonged amounts of time can prevent the healing of existing ulcers. Though there is no definite amount to be considered \u201cexcessive\u201d that would lead to the development of ulcers, it is best to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    5. Spicy foods.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For a long time, it was believed that consuming large quantities of spicy foods increased the risk of developing peptic ulcers<\/a>. It was thought that spicy food irritated the lining of the stomach, resulting in inflammation and irritation that led to ulcers. However, it turns out that new research has suggested that the opposite may be true; eating spicy foods may actually help to prevent the development of ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The compound in spicy foods, capsaicin, is believed to stimulate the production of protective enzymes in the stomach that can prevent ulcers. However, the research is not clear and some medical experts and scientists believe that eating spicy foods can still lead to an increased risk of peptic ulcers. It\u2019s also believed that spicy foods can irritate existing ulcers. Since it\u2019s unclear if spicy foods cause or prevent ulcers, to be safe, avoid eating them in large quantities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    6. High-stress levels.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It has been determined that people who are under high levels of physical and psychological stress <\/a>are more at risk for developing what is known as \u201cstress ulcers\u201d. Medical professionals also refer to ulcers that are caused by stress as \u201cstress-related mucosal damage\u201d. In other words, stress ulcers are different than traditional peptic ulcers. Both types of ulcers irritate the lining of the stomach and the small intestines, causing the development of sores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, the development of peptic ulcers is usually gradual and appears over time. With stress ulcers, they appear seemingly out of nowhere and are often caused by extreme stress levels. These ulcers are believed to occur as a result of changes in the pH levels of the body, which can increase the acidity of stomach acid, thus causing the lining of the stomach and small intestine to become irritated and ulcers to develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    7. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Though it is a rare condition, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause peptic ulcers. This condition occurs when tumors <\/a>\u2013 either cancerous or non-cancerous \u2013 tumors develop in both the duodenum (the lower portion of the small intestine) and the pancreas. These tumors are referred to as \u201cgastrinomas\u201d and then expel copious amounts of gastrin, a peptide hormone that is responsible for stimulating gastric acid secretions. As a result, the stomach releases more acid than it normally would, which can lead to the development of peptic ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Under normal conditions, only small amounts of gastrin are released by the body, and they\u2019re released after eating. Because of the increased amount of acid that gastrinomas expel, people who are afflicted with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are more prone to ulcers. The exact cause of this condition is not known. Other symptoms of this condition include burning abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and belching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    8. Excessive coffee consumption.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Like spicy foods, for a long time, it was believed that coffee could increase the risk of a gastric ulcer. Since coffee <\/a>is known to increase the amount of acid the stomach produces, and highly acidic stomach acid is known to irritate, inflame, and cause sores to develop in the lining of the stomach, it was also believed that drinking excessive amounts of coffee increased the risk for stomach ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, recent studies have found that drinking coffee does not lead to an increased risk of stomach ulcers; though with that said, there are medical professionals who do believe that drinking large quantities of coffee can influence the risk of gastric ulcers. Whether it does or it doesn\u2019t, it is firmly accepted by all medical professionals that drinking coffee can aggravate already existing ulcers; therefore, if you have an ulcer, keep coffee intake to a minimum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    9. Genetics. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    New scientific studies have found that genetics may play a role in the development of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. In one study, it was found that more than 20 percent of the patients who participated had a family history of gastric ulcers; in comparison, only 5 to 10 percent of those patients who made up the control group in the study had a family history of duodenal or gastric ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The findings of this study have determined that those who have a family history of ulcers may also have a genetic predisposition to higher than \u201cnormal\u201d levels of stomach acid. Because higher levels of stomach acid are known to increase the risk of peptic ulcers, there could be a correlation between the role genetics <\/a>plays in increased levels of gastric acid and the development of ulcers. If someone in your family suffers from an ulcer, you may, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    10. Radiation therapy.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Radiation <\/a>therapy is a form of therapy that is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. With this treatment, intense energy beams are pointed over the area that is afflicted with cancer an attempt to kill off cancer cells. Radiation therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for certain types of cancer, as it destroys the genetic material that directs the way in which cells reproduce and divide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Since cancer the result of excess production of cell growth and division, radiation therapy can be highly effective. However, while this treatment may be able to eliminate cancer, there are a number of adverse effects that are associated with it. When radiation therapy is delivered to cancers that affect the abdominal region, it can irritate the lining of the stomach and the intestines. As a result, abdominal radiation can increase the risk of peptic ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    11. Internal bleeding.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    While internal bleeding does not cause peptic ulcers, gastric and duodenal ulcers can lead to an increased risk of internal bleeding. This is especially true in severe cases of peptic ulcers. Since peptic ulcers are sores that develop within the lining of the stomach and the small intestines, those sores, if large enough, can end up bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are suffering from an ulcer of any kind, it is important to take precautions and properly treat the condition, because if the sores become worse, they can trigger internal bleeding<\/a>, a problem that, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. Therefore, if you are experiencing any symptoms that are associated with a peptic ulcer \u2013 a burning sensation in the abdominal region, increased belching, nausea, vomiting, etc. \u2013 it is important to schedule an appointment with your medical care provider as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    12. Gastrointestinal obstructions.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This isn\u2019t a symptom of a peptic ulcer, a gastrointestinal obstruction can be a side effect of ulcers of the stomach and small intestines. This is particularly true with gastric (stomach) ulcers. The reason? \u2013 These ulcers can prevent food from passing through the digestive tract. This obstruction can cause you to feel fuller more quickly than you normally would. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This can also result in unintentional weight loss<\/a>, as you may not be able to eat as much as you would under normal circumstances. Furthermore, gastric ulcers can lead to nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, gastrointestinal obstructions that occur as a result of gastric ulcers can have severe ramifications. As such, it is extremely important to seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer. If you fail to get the treatment that\u2019s needed, the results could be severe.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    13. Age. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It seems that older people are more prone to peptic ulcers than younger people. The cause for this is unknown; however, some scientific experts believe that it could have to do with the increased amounts of physical aches and pains that the body experiences as it ages. For example, the elderly are more likely to develop arthritis<\/a>, a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To treat the inflammation and pain, elderly people may rely on prescription and over-the-counter pain medications that are known to increase the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers; aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs, for example. Another factor that may contribute to the increased risk of ulcers with age is that the pylorus, the valve that lies between the duodenum and stomach, tends to relax, thus allowing excessive bile to make its way into the stomach and eroding the lining of the stomach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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    14. Type O blood. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Though it is not clearly known why some explanations have been offered. For example, has been suggested that people who have type O blood do not produce a special substance that coats the surfaces of the blood cells that may protect the duodenum lining. As a result, the lining of the duodenum (small intestine) is more prone to inflammation and irritation<\/a>, and thus, ulcers are more likely to develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It has also been suggested that individuals who belong to the type O blood group may produce higher levels of hydrochloric acid, leading to an increased risk of duodenal ulcers. Additionally, it has also been stated that individuals who have type O blood experienced an increased amount of binding of the H. pylori bacterium to the epithelial cells, leading to an increased risk of ulcers. Therefore, if you have type O blood, you may be more prone to ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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