How Ulcers Form

When H. pylori bacteria do cause ulcers, here's how doctors think it happens:

1. Bacteria weaken the protective coating of the stomach and upper small intestine.
2. Acid in the stomach then gets through to the sensitive tissues lining the digestive

system underneath.
3. Acid and bacteria directly irritate this lining resulting in sores, or ulcers.

Although H. pylori are responsible for most cases of peptic ulcers, these ulcers can happen

for other reasons, too. Some people regularly take pain relievers known as nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, that fight inflammation in

the body and are used to treat long-term painful conditions like arthritis. If taken in high

daily doses over a long period of time, NSAIDs can cause ulcers in some people.

Smoking also is associated with peptic ulcers. Smoking increases someone's risk of getting an

ulcer because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce more acid. Drinking a

lot of alcohol each day for a period of time can also increase a person's risk of ulcers

because over time alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and intestines.

In certain circumstances stress can help cause ulcers. But this usually only happens when

illness involving severe emotional or physical stress is involved — such as when someone too

sick to eat for a long period of time.

Ulcers occur because of uncontrolled increased acid production in the stomach and changes in

the immune system (the body system that fights infection). With any illness where the body's

ability to heal is challenged (such as when someone has serious burns from a fire), there is

a risk for developing ulcers.