What Causes Stomach Ulcers

One of the most common gastrointestinal problems, stomach ulcers are actually, lesions on the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. These open sores may develop on the inner surfaces of the lower esophagus, on the stomach walls and the inner lining of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). While those ulcers in the stomach are called gastric ulcers, those in the esophagus are termed as esophageal ulcers and those in the duodenum are duodenal ulcers. They are jointly termed as peptic ulcers (sometimes referred to as stomach ulcers), which are so common that as per some studies, more than 25 millions of Americans suffer from this condition, at least once during their lifetime. Stomach ulcers may develop in kids as well as adults. Both men and women are equally susceptible to this condition.

Causes of Stomach Ulcers

As mentioned above, stomach ulcers are those sores or lesions, caused by the erosion of the mucosal lining. It can develop on the walls of the stomach, duodenum and the lower parts of the esophagus. Earlier, it was thought that these ulcers can be caused by many different factors like stress, use of certain medication, infection caused by some bacteria, excess intake of spicy foods and cigarette smoking. However, recent studies show that more than 80% of stomach ulcers are caused by helicobacter pylori infection. The remaining 20% can be due to regular use of certain medication and cigarette smoking. Stress and alcoholism, caffeine consumption, are considered as risk factors for this condition.

• Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria that can thrive in acidic environment. This bacteria has enough flagella (lash-like appendage) to penetrate the stomach lining. They have special appendages that help them to get attached to the epithelial cells of the stomach wall. These bacteria produce certain enzymes that prevents digestion of these microorganisms, by the phagocytes (WBCs). They can even slow down the process of stomach acid production. All these features help them to create a favorable environment inside the stomach, where they can thrive. Such bacterial colonization of the walls of the stomach, duodenum and lower esophagus leads to erosion of the affected sites, leading to inflammation and ulcers. Another interesting fact about such helicobacter pylori infection is that it is not necessary for each and every person infected with this bacteria to develop ulcers. This infection can spread from one person to another.
• Use of Medication: Stomach ulcer causes include regular use of certain medications, like, some types of pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication. Such medications can irritate the lining of the lower esophagus, stomach and duodenum, causing inflammation that can lead to ulcers. Pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, are found to cause stomach ulcers, if used on regular basis. Long-term use of certain arthritis medicines may also cause this conditions. It is also found that medicines used to treat osteoporosis can also lead to ulcers, if used for a very long duration. In order to prevent this, it has been recommended to take these medicines along with food and not on empty stomach. However, the best person to diagnose the cause of stomach ulcer is your doctor and you should not stop taking any prescription medicine, without consulting him. In other words, if you are detected with ulcers, you should intimate your doctor about the current medications you are taking.

The above said are found to be the most common causes for stomach ulcers. But, it may be caused by other factors, like, stress or even without a definite cause. In case of children, use of medications is found to be the common cause, but, in some cases, helicobacter pylori infection may also be the reason for stomach ulcers in children.

Symptoms and Treatment

The most common symptom of stomach ulcers is pain that is often described as a burning pain. This episodic pain may be experienced anywhere between the navel and the breastbone. Such pain is often worsened, as the affected part is exposed to stomach acids. This happens when the stomach is empty, especially, during the night. It will be reduced with intake of food. In some severe cases, stomach ulcer symptoms and signs may include vomiting blood, dark tarry stools, bloating, gradual weight loss, anemia and nausea. Stomach ulcer treatment is decided on the basis of the underlying cause. This could be helicobacter pylori infection and use of medication. In case of bacterial infection, a combination of antibiotics, along with medication to reduce stomach acids, will be prescribed. In case of ulcers caused by medications, the doctor may prescribe you with a safe substitute. You may be given medication for reducing or neutralizing stomach acids. Some of the bleeding ulcers and ulcers that leads to perforation of the affected site, require immediate surgery as treatment.

So, if you experience any such symptoms, contact a doctor and get it diagnosed. If detected with stomach ulcers, get the condition treated at the earliest, to avoid complications.