What causes it?

A gastric ulcer develops when stomach acids and digestive juices injure the stomach’s lining

of protective mucus. Gastric ulcers most commonly are caused by the use of nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is the

NSAID most likely to cause ulcers. The widespread use of NSAIDs may be why the incidence of

gastric ulcers in the United States is rising.

Gastric ulcers may also develop from the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H.

pylori), decreased resistance of the lining of the stomach to gastric acids, increased

production of gastric acids and infection, certain types of medication, and disorders that

cause over secretion of stomach juices. Ulcer can also be caused by the use of tobacco,

alcohol and caffeine.