Five Things to Know about Ulcers

Here are five things that those who suspect they have an ulcer should know about the condition.

1)    No one knows how the bacteria that causes ulcers is acquired. H. pylori bacteria live in the mucous layer that covers the tissue lining the stomach and small intestines. Normally, it causes no issues, but whatever sets it off inflames the lining of the stomach, esophagus or duodenum, causing an ulcer. Some speculate that close person-to-person contact like kissing may cause its transmission, while others believe it is spread by food or water.

2)    Pain medications can cause problems. Many people take more than the recommended dosage of aspirin, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain medications. It is understandable – the medications ease arthritis pain, so those sufferers tend to increase the dose over time, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to this gradual increase. But the side effects of the medication include irritating or inflaming the stomach lining, leading to ulcers.

3)    Other prescription medications – While pain relievers are the chief culprit, there are other medications that can cause issues, most of them bisphosphonates like Actonel, Fosamax and potassium supplements used to combat osteoporosis.

4)    Spicy foods don’t cause ulcers. You didn’t get the ulcer from too many tacos or slathering on the Sriracha sauce. But once you have an ulcer, these foods, which can cause a rise in stomach acid, may aggravate the condition.

5)    Smoking and drinking – These can also aggravate an ulcer by increasing stomach acid or generating bacteria.