What causes ulcers?

The answer is C. Bacteria is the culprit, not stress or spicy foods as we commonly think.

The most common bacteria that triggers stomach ulcers is dubbed H. pylori. However, ulcers, or sores in the lining of the stomach, can sometimes be the result of an imbalance between the digestive fluids, acid, and pepsin.

While lifestyle factors such as stress and eating spicy foods don't cause ulcers, other lifestyle factors do play a role. Smoking is linked with ulcers as well as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen which reduce the stomach's ability to defend itself from acid and pepsin.

But back to the most common cause of ulcers, H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacteria. Because of its unique shape, it is able to penetrate the cells of the stomach lining. Once in the cell, they weaken its ability to produce the mucus that protects it from stomach acid. This causes the inflammation and pain. There is also a suspected link between H. pylori and stomach cancer.

Treatments for ulcers include a wide range of medications including antacids and antibiotics. Surgery is also an option, but the last resort.

Resources

Read more about ulcers from the National Institutes of Health.

June 22, 2002