Peptic Ulcer Disease

Causes & Prevention

Can Spicy Food and Stress Cause Stomach Ulcers?

Myths about Digestive Disorders

Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Listed below are some common misconceptions (fallacies), about digestive diseases, followed by the facts as professionals understand them today.

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.

Too Much Aspirin Can Cause Internal Bleeding

GI Bleeding, if it occurs, is always serious and potentially a life or death type of situation. As at times, GI Bleeding is very slow to develop, over the course of years sometimes, there may be no symptoms, until an emergency exists.

The use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Motrin), is the second highest cause of gastritis and GI bleeding. Usually, this damage occurs with the routine and recurrent intake of high doses. The risk seems to be dose dependent; therefore, as the daily dosage increases, so does the risk for gastritis and bleeding.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.