Ulcers, specifically peptic ulcers, are primarily caused by two main factors:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria: This common bacterium lives in the mucus lining of the stomach and small intestine. While many people carry H. pylori without symptoms, in some it causes inflammation and damages the protective mucous layer, allowing stomach acid to erode the lining and form ulcers
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can irritate or inflame the stomach lining by reducing its protective mucus. Prolonged or high-dose use can overwhelm the stomach’s ability to repair itself, leading to ulcer formation
Other contributing factors that may increase ulcer risk or worsen symptoms include smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain rare conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (which causes excess stomach acid), and possibly stress or spicy foods, although these do not cause ulcers directly
. In summary, ulcers occur when the balance between stomach acid and the protective mucous lining is disrupted, most commonly due to H. pylori infection or NSAID use. This disruption allows acid to damage the stomach or duodenal lining, resulting in painful open sores
