One out of every 10 Americans develops peptic ulcers at some point in their lives. This type of ulcer is a sore in the stomach or duodenum lining at the beginning of the small intestine. While many people think that stress or spicy food can cause peptic ulcers, the most common cause of this disease is a bacterial infection. Long-term use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, could also help to lead to peptic ulcer disease.
The type of bacteria that most frequently causes peptic ulcer disease is Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. Infection with this bacteria is common, but only some people infected by it develop ulcers. The bacteria weakens the stomach’s protective coating of mucus, which allows stomach acids to reach the sensitive lining directly. The irritation caused by the acid and the bacteria can cause a sore, the peptic ulcer.
Some of the most common symptoms of a peptic ulcer include:
•Dull ache that comes and goes
•Ache several hours after a meal, in the middle of the night
•Pain that is relieved by eating
•Bloating and burping
•Weight loss and poor appetite
•Nausea and vomiting
