HOW IS ULCER DEVELOPED?

An ulcer develops when the protective lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus is damaged, allowing stomach acid to erode the tissue beneath. This process can be triggered by several primary factors:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: This bacterium is a major cause of ulcers. It weakens the protective mucus lining, allowing stomach acid to irritate and damage the stomach or intestinal walls. Over time, this can lead to an ulcer if untreated.
2. Long-Term Use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen reduce the production of certain protective substances in the stomach lining. Without these, the stomach becomes more vulnerable to acid, and prolonged exposure can lead to ulcer formation.
3. Increased Stomach Acid Production: Conditions or behaviors that lead to excessive stomach acid production (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, stress, or heavy caffeine intake) can overwhelm the stomach’s defenses, eroding the lining and creating ulcers.
4. Lifestyle Factors:
• Smoking: Increases stomach acid and reduces the stomach lining's ability to protect itself.
• Alcohol: Can irritate and wear away the stomach lining, especially with heavy use.
• Stress and Anxiety: While they don't directly cause ulcers, chronic stress and anxiety increase acid production and make the stomach lining more susceptible to damage if other risk factors are present.
5. Dietary Factors: Spicy foods, caffeine, and certain acidic foods may not directly cause ulcers but can aggravate symptoms in people with an existing ulcer or sensitive stomach lining.

When these factors damage the lining of the stomach or intestines, the tissue becomes exposed to stomach acid. This leads to inflammation, irritation, and over time, ulcer formation. If not treated, ulcers can worsen and lead to complications, like bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal walls.