Helicobacter pylori
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.
Acid and pepsin
These powerful digestive fluids are believed to contribute to the formation of ulcers. In ideal situations the stomach can protect itself from these fluids in severals ways. These are:
- The stomach produces a lubricant-like mucus that coats the stomach and shields stomach tissues.
- The stomach can produce a chemical called bicarbonate that neutralizes and breaks down digestive fluids into less harmful substances.
- Blood circulation in the lining of the stomach and cell renewal and repair help protect the stomach.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs stands for NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. The most commonly known NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. NSAIDs can make the stomach's defense mechanisms to fail in a couple of different ways:
- They can make the stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects of acid and pepsin by interferring with the stomach's ability to produce mucus and bicarbonate.
- They can affect the blood flow to the stomach and cell repair.
