What causes Peptic Ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori bacteria are the leading cause of peptic ulcers. It is assumed that h. pylori bacteria are accumulated in the body through food and water. However, h. pylori can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Having h. pylori does not necessarily mean that a person will develop a peptic ulcer. Only one out of six persons infected with h. pylori bacteria actually develops a peptic ulcer. It depends on factors not yet identified why exactly an infected person develops a peptic ulcer. In the stomach, the h. pylori bacteria weaken the protective mucus coating of the stomach or duodenal. Hydrochloric acid and pepsin, part of digestive stomach juices, can then irritate the weakened stomach lining which then eventually leads to a sore or an ulcer. Normally the stomach can protect itself from these aggressive fluids. It produces a lubricant shield for stomach tissues called mucus. Also the production of bicarbonate acts neutralizing as it breaks down the digestive fl
