Ulcers and stress: Is there a connection?

Can stress cause ulcers?

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Answer

Stress and spicy foods were once thought to be the main causes of peptic ulcers, open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. But researchers now say that most peptic ulcers are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Medications to kill the bacteria and to reduce stomach acid are typically enough to heal a peptic ulcer. Stress isn't necessarily off the hook, however. Stress may aggravate the symptoms of a peptic ulcer by increasing stomach acid and slowing digestion. Severe stress may delay the healing of a peptic ulcer. If you have a peptic ulcer, do what you can to keep stress under control. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

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