Causes of Gastrointestinal Ulcers
Aug 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Helicobacter pylori infection is strongly associated with gastric ulcers. Secondly, abnormal secretion of gastric acid and pepsin is the primary causative factor in gastric ulcer development. For patients with abnormal gastric acid and pepsin secretion, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is recommended to suppress gastric acid secretion and thereby eradicate gastric ulcers. Additionally, genetic factors, psychological stress, dietary habits, and certain medications may also contribute to gastric ulcer formation.
Gastric ulcers are a common condition encountered in daily life, affecting many middle-aged individuals. In recent years, however, the incidence of gastric ulcers has been trending younger, prompting many people to seek understanding of its underlying causes for better prevention. So, what are the causes of gastric ulcers?
Causes of Gastric Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is strongly associated with gastric ulcers. Secondly, abnormal secretion of gastric acid and pepsin is a primary contributing factor. For patients exhibiting such abnormalities, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is recommended to suppress gastric acid secretion and thereby achieve ulcer healing. Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, psychological stress, dietary habits, and certain medications—particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. Additionally, irregular or unhealthy eating patterns—such as consuming spicy, irritating, or greasy foods, eating too quickly, or skipping meals—can stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid and pepsinogen, thereby promoting ulcer development.
Eating too rapidly is harmful: it leads to inadequate chewing, resulting in insufficient digestive enzyme secretion and incomplete digestion of food—potentially triggering gastric disorders. Binge eating is another unhealthy dietary habit; not only does it impair gastric digestive function and precipitate dyspepsia, but it may also cause severe complications such as acute gastric dilatation or gastric perforation.
Patients diagnosed with gastric ulcers and confirmed H. pylori positivity should undergo eradication therapy. In cases of severe symptoms, prompt medical consultation is essential, and medication must be taken strictly under physician supervision. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
