Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Home » Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) » Causes and Risk Factors

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your GI Condition
(Free Handout)

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause for peptic ulcer disease is Helicobacter pylori (pronounced HEE-li-co BACK-ter pie-LOR-ee or HELL-uh-koh-BAK-tur py-LOH-ree) infection, also called H. pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori are spiral-shaped bacteria that are found in contaminated food and water. These bacteria, which were formerly called Campylobacter pylori, spread through close contact (e.g., sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils) and poor hygiene.

H. pylori infection occurs when these bacteria attach to the lining of the stomach or small intestine, multiply, and release toxins that cause mucosal inflammation and damage. Helicobacter pylori infection can cause peptic ulcer disease, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), and other complications (e.g., stomach [gastric] cancer).

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, also can damage the lining of the GI tract and cause peptic ulcer disease. These medications, which are used to reduce pain and inflammation, should be used only as directed. When used in combination with NSAIDs, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) further increase the risk for peptic ulcers.

In most cases, peptic ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs resolves once the infection is treated or the medication is discontinued.

Serious illnesses (e.g., liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], kidney failure) can increase the risk for developing peptic ulcer disease. Trauma resulting from physical stress (e.g., severe burns, traumatic brain injury [TBI], surgery) also can increase the risk for PUD.

Additional factors that increase the risk for peptic ulcer disease include the following:

• Age (more common in people over the age of 50)
• Alcohol use
• Family history of peptic ulcers
• Smoking

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Resources

	Join Our Peptic Ulcer Disease Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer