Peptic Ulcer Disease - Cause

Cause

The two most common causes of peptic ulcer disease are infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Although many people are infected with H. pylori bacteria, only a few of them will develop peptic ulcer disease. Certain factors make a person with an H. pylori infection susceptible to developing an ulcer. Some of these factors, not all of which are well understood, include:

• The use of certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or other NSAIDs.
• Smoking.
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Prior history of ulcers.
• Physical stress caused by a severe illness or injury (such as a major trauma, the need to be on a ventilator to assist breathing, or surgery).

Most peptic ulcers that are not caused by an H. pylori infection are caused by the use of NSAIDs. NSAIDs may be prescribed to control pain or inflammation caused by long-term (chronic) diseases such as arthritis or headaches. When used for weeks or months, NSAIDs can damage the lining of the digestive tract, causing an ulcer or making an existing ulcer worse.

A rare cause of peptic ulcers is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In this condition, the stomach greatly overproduces acid, damaging the stomach lining.

Psychological stress, when combined with other risk factors, may increase your risk of developing a peptic ulcer.¹