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Health Conditions
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Peptic Ulcer Disease
What causes it?
PUD can start when
the protective barrier that lines the stomach or intestines is injured, exposing
the underlying tissue to stomach acid. A variety of things can harm the
protective lining of the stomach or intestines. These include:
- Infection - H. pylori breaks down the stomach and/or intestinal lining, making them more susceptible to acid, which can lead to ulcers. H. pylori is present in more than 90% of patients who have intestinal ulcers and more than 80% of patients with stomach ulcers.
- Chronic use of prescription or non-prescription drugs such as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin - NSAIDs lower the stomach's
resistance to the harmful effects of acid. Ulcers caused by NSAIDs often
heal on their own after the medication is discontinued. Examples of common NSAIDs: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
- Smoking - Smoking can increase the risk of developing an ulcer, prolong the healing of existing ulcers and contribute to ulcer reoccurrence.
- Physical stress - such as surgery or extreme injury.
- Alcohol - Ulcers are more common in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, a disease that has been linked to heavy alcohol consumption, but the link between alcohol and ulcers is still vague.
Emotional stress is no longer thought to be a cause of ulcers.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What causes it?
