WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN ULCER RESULTS FROM STRESS

When an ulcer results from or is exacerbated by stress, it typically involves a complex interaction between stress hormones, immune function, and stomach acid production. Here’s what generally happens:

1. Increased Stomach Acid Production: Chronic stress can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can increase stomach acid production. Higher acid levels can then irritate the stomach lining and create or worsen an ulcer.
2. Reduced Immune Function: Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, including H. pylori, a major cause of ulcers. If H. pylori is present, stress can exacerbate its impact on the stomach lining.
3. Delayed Healing: Stress can slow down the body’s healing processes, making it harder for the stomach lining to recover from existing ulcers. This means that even minor irritations can take longer to heal, increasing the risk of the ulcer becoming chronic.
4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Stress-induced ulcers can lead to symptoms like burning or gnawing pain in the stomach, bloating, and indigestion. These symptoms may flare up more frequently under stress.
5. Lifestyle Choices that Worsen Ulcers: Stress often leads to behaviors that further aggravate ulcers, such as increased smoking, alcohol consumption, or reliance on NSAIDs for stress-related headaches and muscle aches.

Managing Stress-Related Ulcers

Treatment for stress-related ulcers includes medical therapy, typically with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid, and possibly antibiotics if H. pylori is present. Stress management techniques—like mindfulness, deep breathing, or regular exercise—are also essential for reducing symptoms and supporting healing.