FAQ Category: causes of gastritis and peptic ulcer

To prevent gastritis and peptic ulcers, avoid excessive NSAID use, limit alcohol consumption, practice good hygiene to reduce H. pylori risk, manage stress, and identify and avoid any personal food triggers. Quitting smoking is also crucial, as smoking increases risk.

Warning signs of a stomach ulcer include a burning stomach pain (often worse when the stomach is empty), bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and feeling full quickly. In severe cases, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or sudden sharp abdominal pain require immediate medical attention.

While specific “trigger” foods vary by individual, common culprits that can exacerbate gastritis symptoms include highly acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes), spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol. It’s best to identify and avoid your personal triggers.

While stress doesn’t directly cause gastritis or peptic ulcers in most cases, it can significantly worsen symptoms and delay healing for individuals who already have these conditions. Severe physiological stress (e.g., from major surgery, burns, or critical illness) can, however, lead to “stress ulcers.”

The most common cause of gastritis is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Other significant causes include long-term use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen), excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune reactions.