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Top Common Causes Of Peptic Ulcer Disease

There are several top causes of peptic ulcer disease that you need to know about. Read this article to know about them.

By Sravia Sivaram

Peptic ulcers are the sores that are developed in the lining of the stomach, lower oesophagus or small intestine. The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is a burning abdominal pain that extends from the naval to chest.

Further, untreated ulcers can become worse over a period of time and lead to other health conditions. It usually occurs as a result of the inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori.

causes of peptic ulcer disease

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria, has the ability to create stomach infection and inflammation, which is one of the main causes of peptic ulcers. Frequent use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other inflammatory drugs are also one of the contributors for this disease.

So, if you have been wondering what are the causes of peptic ulcer, this article will let you know more.

Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, radiation therapy and stomach cancer can also lead to peptic ulcers.

In this article, we'll let you know about some of the common causes of peptic ulcers. Read this article to know about the top common causes of peptic ulcer disease.

1. Family History:

1. Family History:

One of the most common causes of peptic ulcers relate to family history. If any of the family member has had a history of peptic ulcers, then it increases your chance of contracting this disease as well.

2. The Bacteria H. pylori:

2. The Bacteria H. pylori:

The second most common cause is due to H. pylori bacteria. This bacteria can enter into your body through water and food. It often lives in the lining of the stomach and small intestine.

3. Alcoholic Beverages:

3. Alcoholic Beverages:

Moderate drinking cannot cause peptic ulcers, but experts suggest that heavy drinking is one of the most common causes of peptic ulcer disease.

4. Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:

4. Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:

Taking these drugs, often known as NSAIDs, may inflame or irritate our stomach lining and small intestine, leading to an ulcer. This is one of the top causes of peptic ulcer disease.

5. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

5. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:

This syndrome is one of the most common causes of peptic ulcers. This is a rare health condition, in which many tumours are formed in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine. These tumours can secrete an excess amount of the hormone gastrin that can lead to too much acid production in the stomach and damage the lining.

6. Excess Stress:

6. Excess Stress:

Many experts believe that stress can increase the risk of suffering from peptic ulcer disease. This is because prolonged stress has a huge effect on the production of acid in the stomach. This is one of the common common causes of peptic ulcers.

7. High Salt Intake:

7. High Salt Intake:

Too much of salt intake is one of the most common causes of peptic ulcer disease. A diet high in salt can give rise to gene activity in H. pylori bacteria, which will make them more virulent.

8. Low Levels Of Melatonin:

8. Low Levels Of Melatonin:

Low lighting causes the production of melatonin in the pineal gland of the brain. A reduction in the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep, can trigger the risk of peptic ulcers in the body. Hence lack of sleep can actually increase the risk of peptic ulcers.

Story first published: Friday, March 31, 2017, 12:29 [IST]
Read more about: stomach ulcer