In order to deal properly with stomach ulcers we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow stomach ulcers to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind stomach ulcers consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Helicobacter Pylori Infection | 98% | Confirm |
Hyperparathyroidism | 26% | Unlikely |
Stress | 17% | Unlikely |
Heartburn | 1% | Ruled out |
Cigarette Smoke Damage | 1% | Ruled out |
Gastritis | 0% | Ruled out |
Atrophic Gastritis | 0% | Ruled out |
Have you had Peptic Ulcers, also known as Stomach Ulcers or Gastric Ulcers?
Possible responses:
→ Never had one / don't know→ Probably/minor episode now resolved → Major episode now resolved → Current minor problem → Current major problem |
The average person's lifetime chance of suffering from a peptic ulcer is 5-10%, but this rises to 10-20% in those who are Helicobacter pylori positive. H. Pylori infection usually persists for many years, leading to ulcer disease in 10-15% of those infected. H. pylori is found in more than 80% of patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Patients with hyperparathyroidism may be more likely to develop peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, and pancreatitis.
Smoking is associated with the development, delayed healing and recurrence of peptic ulcers, as well as resistance to treatment.
Severe inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) can result in ulceration.
There is a relatively high prevalence of GERD amongst patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers. Persistent dyspepsia/heartburn symptoms after eradication of H. pylori and ulcer resolution might suggest the treatment of GERD as a separate entity. [Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95: pp.101-5]
In general the duodenum isn't as well protected with mucus as is the stomach and is more prone to ulcers. A deficiency of pancreatic juices to neutralize the acid chyme from the stomach, or stress causing sympathetic inhibition of enzyme secretion can lead to duodenal ulcer formation.