It is a popular belief that peptic ulcers are caused by spicy foods or stress. The truth is, while ulcers can be aggravated by spicy foods and stress, they aren't caused by these. Research studies have shown that most ulcers are caused by an infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori--also referred to as H. pylori. While the other factors listed below can also cause ulcers, H. pylori is now considered the primary cause of ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium is found in the stomach, and along with acid secretion can damage the tissue of the stomach and duodenal, causing inflammation and ulcers.

For information on other causes of peptic ulcers, please read this article.

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