Why does smoking cause ulcers?
The digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients from everything that enters the body. It is, therefore, very sensitive and can get affected easily. Peptic ulcers are usually a result of bacterial infections, especially by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Smoking has been seen to increase the incidence of infection by this bacteria. Research has shown that smokers have a greater incidence of ulcers. Not only this, their ulcers do not heal easily and can be fatal more than in non smokers. Another reason for smokers getting stomach ulcers is stomach acid. Stomach produces acid that is neutralized by naturally occurring sodium bicarbonate, an alkali, if there is any excess or if this acid goes out of the stomach. Smoking has been shown to reduce the amount of this alkali. Due to this, the acid does not get neutralizes if it gets out of the stomach. This acid is very strong and can cause serious damage if other tissues are exposed to it. In the absence of the alkali, this acid
