How Does Bacteria Cause Stomach Ulcers?

Stress or spicy foods do not cause stomach ulcers. What does? The majority of stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria: helicobacter pylori. Prior to causing an ulcer, gastritis occurs. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, and is caused in this case, by the chronic irritation from the bacteria itself, and the resultant iexposure to stomach acid on the lining of the stomach wall.

H. pylori weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum, which allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. The bacteria uses its corkscrew shape to burrow through to the inner lining of the stomach, where it burrows under the lining and thrives. As it is now partially hidden, treatment must be tenacious and consistent to reach and kill the germ. Both the acid and the bacteria irritate the lining, causing inflammation and an open sore or ulcer.

H. pylori is able to survive in stomach acid because it secretes enzymes that neutralize the acid. This mechanism also allows H. pylori to make its way to the "safe" area—the protective mucous lining.