Surprising Facts About Ulcers You Might Not Know

Ulcers are open sores or erosions that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, also known as the digestive tract. While they are commonly caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection or the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), many people don’t realise that stress, diet, and lifestyle habits can also play significant roles in their development. Understanding the causes and symptoms of ulcers is essential for proper prevention and treatment.

Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can damage the stomach lining. (Mayo Clinic). We often hear people say they have ulcers and stay away from pepper and spicy food; it appears strange for those with no history of ulcers. Globally, peptic ulcers affect about 5 million people annually, with 1 in 10 people developing an ulcer. A study in a tertiary institution in North-West Nigeria found that 8.7% of patients were diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease(PUD) over 9 years (171 out of 1958 patients).  (NIH). In this article, we will find out if spicy food has a thing or two about ulcers. There are two known types of ulcers. Gastric ulcers occur in the stomach—duodenal ulcers, Which happen in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

The symptoms of ulcers are within close range of the stomach. Abdominal pain: Often described as burning or gnawing, especially when the stomach is empty(Mayo Clinic). Other symptoms include Indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Symptoms like this are a red flag and a time up for a visit to the hospital.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A common cause of stomach ulcers. Long-term use of NSAIDs: Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can damage the stomach lining.Other factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress can also contribute to ulcer development. (NHS)

The Things You Didn’t Know About Ulcers

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Stomach ulcers affect anyone, but commonly people aged 60 or over. Men are more affected than women. (NHS)

Visit the Doctor when you are vomiting blood that appears bright red or has dark brown, grainy, or coffee color. (NHS)

Visit the Doctor when you are passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools. (NHS)

Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers. But they can make symptoms worse. (NHS)

Also, see your healthcare professional if non-prescription antacids and acid blockers relieve your pain but the pain returns. (NHS)

Helicobacter pylori. This germ lives in the mucous layer that covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. (Mayo Clinic)

It’s not clear how H. pylori infection spreads. It may go from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. People also can contract H. pylori through food and water(Mayo Clinic)

Taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) over time can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine. These medicines include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others), and ketoprofen. (Mayo Clinic).

People who have had a peptic ulcer before have a higher risk of having another one. (Mayo Clinic)

Taking high doses of NSAIDs or two or more NSAIDs increases the risk. So does taking NSAIDS with certain other medicines. (Mayo Clinic)

Conclusion

Understanding ulcers goes beyond the myths and assumptions we often hear. Contrary to popular belief, spicy foods and stress do not directly cause ulcers; instead, they may worsen the symptoms of an existing condition. The real culprits are H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAIDs, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain lifestyle factors. Ulcers can affect anyone but are more common in older adults and men.

Recognizing the warning signs — such as persistent abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or passing dark, tarry stools — is crucial. These symptoms should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention.

Equally important is knowing your risk factors and taking preventive steps like moderating NSAID use, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and seeking prompt treatment when symptoms arise. Regular health checks, timely diagnosis, and adherence to medical advice can help manage and prevent ulcers from escalating.

Ultimately, knowledge is the best defense against peptic ulcers. By understanding the facts and debunking the myths, we can make informed decisions to protect our digestive health and overall well-being.