No one knows how this bacterium is acquired. H. pylori lives in the mucous layer that covers the tissue that lines the stomach and small intestines. Normally, the bacteria causes no issues. But when it does react, it causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach, esophagus or duodenum, causing an ulcer. There is some speculation by the medical community that contact like kissing may cause its transmission, while other think it is spread by food or is water-borne.
When they kick in, the bacteria create havoc. Instead of doing their normal job of digesting food, the acids instead attack the walls of the stomach, the esophagus or the duodenum.
In addition to the bacteria, long-term users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen are also at risk of creating an ulcer by using too much of the product.
Eight Signs of Ulcers
Most ulcer sufferers know instantly that something is seriously wrong. Here are eight signs of ulcers.
1) Burning pain that interrupts sleep
2) Pain in the stomach region that lasts for hours
3) Pain that comes and goes in the stomach region
4) Vomiting black or red blood