How common are ulcers in the Canadian population?
We do not have exact numbers, but figures from the United States suggest the lifetime incidence of peptic ulcer disease is about 10 percent. Are ulcers part of the continuum of heartburn, acid reflux, esophagitis, or are ulcers distinct? They are quite often distinct. Generally, ulcers are lesions in the stomach or duodenum, but they are acid-related. Do stress, alcohol, coffee, and going on an empty stomach all day—do these cause ulcers? Stress and coffee may be aggravating factors, but none of these really have been major causes, even though they may result in heartburn. What is the official story on Helicobacter pylori—is it a pathogen or a normal commensual. Is it supposed to be treated or not? Individuals with H. pylori have a higher incidence of developing peptic ulcer disease. Without H. pylori, unless someone is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, it is very rare to get an ulcer…In fact, H. pylori is the commonest cause of peptic ulcer disease other than nonsteroidal anti-
