What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

What is a Stomach Ulcer?

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can be found in the stomach lining or small intestine. Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers. They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is
reduced.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, an estimated four million people have stomach ulcers and one in 10 people will develop the condition over their lifetime (AGA).
Stomach ulcers are easily cured, however they can become severe without treatment.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are not necessarily caused by one single factor. The decrease in the stomach’s mucus lining that leads to an ulcer is commonly caused by:

• an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• long-term use in excess of the recommended dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome—a rare disease that makes the body produce excess stomach acid

Certain factors and behaviors put people at higher risk for developing stomach ulcers:

• smoking
• frequent use of steroids (such as those for treating asthma)
• hypercalcemia (overproduction of calcium)
• family history of stomach ulcers
• being over 50 years old
• excessive consumption of alcohol

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

There are a number of symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the area between your chest and belly button. Normally, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty and it can last for a few minutes or several hours.
Other common symptoms include:

• dull, burning pain in the stomach
• weight loss
• not wanting to eat because of pain
• nausea or vomiting
• bloating
• burping
• heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
• pain improves when you eat, drink , or take antacids