Information on the causes of gastric ulcers to help support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

What is a Gastric Ulcer?

A gastric ulcer, also referred to as a stomach ulcer, is a break or raw, eroded area in the normal tissue lining of the stomach. People often believe that a gastric ulcer is the result of too much acid in the stomach. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and people with gastric ulcers do produce normal amounts of acid. It depends on how well the lining of the stomach copes with the acid because the stomach makes chemicals and mucus which covers the surface and protects the tissues from the acid.

Gastric ulcers are extremely common and affect about two percent of the adult population in the United States. They are most common in older men between the ages of 55 and 70.

Diagnosing Gastric Ulcers

The diagnosis of a gastric ulcer is based on a physical examination, symptoms and medical history of the individual. Risk factors such as male sex, age, use of NSAIDs, history of excessive use of alcohol and smoking as well as the family history of ulcers will be taken into account. Additional tests such as an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy will show a benign gastric ulcer. To check for a gastric ulcer, an upper GI series test will be performed.

What Causes Gastric Ulcers?

A gastric ulcer is caused by an imbalance between the stomach acids and digestive juices which injures the protective mucus of the stomach lining. Gastric ulcers usually develop as a result of the use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

The presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), disorders that create over secretion of stomach juices, certain types of medication and an excessive intake of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can also cause gastric ulcers. Many people experience periods of chronic ulcer pain alternating with symptom-free periods that may last for many weeks or even months.