Causes
Upsets in the balance of stomach acid and digestive juices can lead to an ulcer. This can be caused by:
- Bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) —common cause
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—blocks the body's ability to protect the stomach lining; common cause
- Diseases that cause acid production to increase, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Rare causes include:
- Radiation therapy
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Alcohol abuse
- Injury
- Severe stress (eg, surgery, trauma , head injury, shock , or burns )
Risk Factors
Risk factors for ulcer from H pylori infection include:
- Age: 60 or older
- Sex: male
- Race: Black and Hispanic
- Lower socio-economic group
- A crowded and unsanitary living environment
- Cigarette smoking
- Family history of ulcer disease
- Type O blood
Risk factors for ulcer from anti-inflammatory drugs include:
- Age: 60 or older
- Sex: male
- History of stomach upset from NSAIDs
- Prior peptic ulcer disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol abuse
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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