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Gastric ulcer

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Gastric ulcer

Definition:

A gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue lining the stomach. See also duodenal ulcer, which is a break in the normal tissue lining the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel).

Alternative Names:
Ulcer - stomach; Peptic disease; Stomach ulcer

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Benign gastric ulcers are caused by an imbalance between the secretion of acid and an enzyme called pepsin and the defenses of the stomach's mucosal lining. This leads to inflammation that may be aggravated by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibruprofen.

Risk factors for benign gastric ulcers include the following:

• Use of aspirin and NSAIDs
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Chronic gastritis
• Smoking
• Increasing age
• Mechanical ventilation (being put on a respirator)

Stress does not cause or worsen gastric ulcers.

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