As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Helicobacter pylori bacteria may be found in:
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Researchers recognize three major causes of peptic ulcer disease: infection with Helicobacter pylori (formerly known as Campylobacter pylori), use of NSAIDs, and pathologic hypersecretory disorders such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. (See How peptic ulcers develop.)
How H. pylori produces an ulcer isn’t clear. Gastric acid, which was considered a primary cause, now appears mainly to contribute to the consequences of infection. Ongoing studies should soon unveil the full mechanism of ulcer formation.
Salicylates and other NSAIDs encourage ulcer formation by inhibiting the secretion of prostaglandins (the substances that suppress ulceration). Certain illnesses, such as pancreatitis, hepatic disease, Crohn’s disease, preexisting gastritis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, are also known causes.
Besides peptic ulcer’s main causes, several predisposing factors are acknowledged. They include blood type (gastric ulcers tend to strike people with type A blood; duodenal ulcers tend to afflict people with type O blood) and other genetic factors. Exposure to irritants, such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, may contribute by accelerating gastric acid emptying and promoting mucosal breakdown. Ulceration occurs when the acid secretion exceeds the buffering factors. Physical trauma, emotional stress, and normal aging are additional predisposing conditions.
In the United States, about 1.6 million people acquire peptic ulcers yearly. Males and females are affected equally, and incidence increases with age. A higher percentage of H. pylori infection occurs in people older than age 50.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Researchers recognize three major causes of peptic ulcer disease: infection with Helicobacter pylori, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and pathologic hypersecretory states such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
H. pylori is the cause of the majority of duodenal and gastric ulcers. Following treatment with standard therapies, 70% to 85% of patients have a documented recurrence (by endoscopy) within 1 year.
Other causes include the use of certain drugs, such as salicylates and other NSAIDs, which encourage ulcer formation by inhibiting the secretion of prostaglandins (the substances that suppress ulceration). Certain illnesses — such as pancreatitis, hepatic disease, Crohn’s disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and preexisting gastritis — are also known causes. Additionally, having a type A personality increases autonomic nervous system effects on the gastric mucosa.
Ulcers are more common in smokers and those who regularly use NSAIDs. (Smoking increases the amount ofhydrochloric acid in the stomach; nicotine reduces the bicarbonate content of pancreatic secretions and also decreases the degree of acid neutralization.) Diet and alcohol don’t appear to contribute to the development of peptic ulcer disease. It’s unclear whether emotional stress is a contributing factor.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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