Common Causes & Risk Factors Of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Family Medical History

Research has shown peptic ulcer disease tends to run in families, and it even occurs more often in individuals who have type O blood. Some individuals are simply more likely to develop an ulcer when infected with H. pylori than others due to unknown genetic factors. Among individuals who are genetically disposed to ulcers, an infection of H. pylori not treated can cause an ulcer or potentially stomach cancer although ulcers also develop in patients with no known family medical history of the disorder.

Prolonged And Untreated Stress

Prolonged and untreated stress can affect the production of stomach acid. In some cases, this can be enough to cause an ulcer, but an ulcer usually requires the presence of H. pylori. There is evidence stress plays a role in digestive health as the brain and gut appear to communicate on many levels. Mental stress may aggravate an ulcer and worsen the condition. This may be the result of stress causing the esophagus to spasm, which increases the amount of acid in the stomach and causing indigestion.