10 Common Causes of Stomach Ulcers

By nigel

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can affect the stomach; ulcers are also known to affect other areas of the digestive tract such as the small intestine. Generally, ulcers are a result of a deterioration of the mucus that typically lines the stomach. When this mucus isn’t present, the stomach acid comes into contact with the actual lining of the stomach. This causes it to erode or “eat away” at this tissue, which can lead to the painful sores that we call ulcers.

Stomach ulcers are known to cause a number of unpleasant symptoms in addition to pain. They can lead to digestive upset, making it quite difficult for patients to enjoy food without feeling discomfort. They can also contribute to bloating and bowel problems like diarrhea. Furthermore, people with serious ulcers may develop nutritional deficiencies from being unable to properly process or digest their food. Ulcers are quite a common problem in the Western world, with almost one in every ten people suffering from some form of ulcer. Ulcers generally aren’t fatal and can be relatively easy to heal if they aren’t serious. However, if they are left untreated, they can become more painful and lead to further complications.

Things like eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can help to prevent the development of stomach ulcers. It’s important to not eat meals that are too big, and it’s important to ensure that the levels of stomach acid present in your body are normal. Stomach ulcers are often caused by bacteria known as H. pylori; however, there are numerous other things that can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers. In this article, we’ll outline the ten most common causes of stomach ulcers so you can know what to avoid or how to prepare for your stomach ulcers.

Cause #1: H. Pylori Infection

There is a specific strain of bacteria that is referred to as H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori. This particular strain of bacteria is the most common cause of stomach ulcers.

H. pylori can easily enter your body and take up home in your digestive tract, since it is not damaged by the harsh acids that can be found there. If these bacteria are not eliminated or processed properly, they can contribute to the development of sores or ulcers in the stomach or in the upper part of your small intestine. In more serious cases, they can contribute to stomach cancer. Eating healthy and taking antibacterial supplements can help to eliminate the growth and spread of H. pylori.