Stomach ulcers are most commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by regular or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Less often, ulcers can arise from other conditions or circumstances, but stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers themselves; they may worsen symptoms or slow healing. Key points
- Primary causes:
- H. pylori infection: bacteria that can reside in the stomach lining and irritate it, leading to ulcers.
- NSAID use: these medicines can irritate the stomach lining and increase ulcer risk, especially with long-term or high-dose use.
- Other factors and conditions that can contribute:
- Rare conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (increases stomach acid production).
- Other health issues or treatments (e.g., Crohn’s disease, cancer therapies) may be associated with ulcer formation in some cases.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking and heavy alcohol use can worsen ulcers or delay healing.
- Non-causes:
- Stress and diet (including spicy foods) do not directly cause stomach ulcers, though they can aggravate symptoms.
What this means for you
- If you have symptoms such as persistent burning or gnawing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark or tarry stools, or weight loss, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
- Diagnosis often involves assessing symptoms, testing for H. pylori (breath, stool, or blood tests), and sometimes endoscopy.
- Treatments typically aim to eradicate H. pylori if present and to reduce stomach acid to allow healing, often with a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications. If NSAIDs are the culprit, stopping or substituting the NSAID under medical guidance is important.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your situation (age, symptoms, medication use) and outline typical diagnostic steps and treatment options.
