Can stress cause a peptic ulcer?
Stress is not good for health in general, and is associated with problems such as hypertension, fatigue and depression
However, stress also affects the gastrointestinal system, but can it cause a peptic ulcer?
Stomach acids and enzymes inside the intestine may damage the stomach and the intestine itself.
Therefore, both organs are lined with a layer that is meant to protect them from erosion by the acids themselves.
Peptic ulcer is an erosive phenomenon affecting the upper digestive tract, and most frequently affects the stomach and duodenum causing gastric or duodenal ulcer respectively.
The main triggers of gastric ulcers are:
– infection with Helicobacter pylori;
– excessive use of over-the-counter painkillers known as NSAIDs, i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
– smoking;
– alcohol.
The bacterium H. Pylori is present in the bodies of well over half the world’s population (between 50 and 75 per cent), and generally does not cause any particular discomfort.
Sometimes, however, it can damage the stomach walls, causing the famous ulcers.
The percentage of ulcers caused by H. Pylori is about 40%.
When taking NSAIDs, the drugs can damage the intestinal mucosa by blocking the body’s natural ability to repair the damage.
In addition, taking NSAIDs can reduce the production of prostaglandin, a hormone crucial in the barrier formation process along the mucosa of the digestive tract.
Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer: what are the symptoms?
It is estimated that 4 million people suffer from peptic ulcers every year; gastric ulcers mainly affect people over the age of 60, while duodenal ulcers affect younger people.
Gastric ulcer affects the stomach wall, while duodenal ulcer affects the duodenum.
Usually, there are differences in the level of pain in taking or not taking food.
In gastric ulcer, the pain tends to worsen when eating; in duodenal ulcer, on the other hand, relief occurs after taking food.
Burning and indigestion are two classic signs of an ulcer, sometimes accompanied by pain in the abdomen (duodenal ulcer) and at the mouth of the stomach (gastric ulcer).
General symptoms may also be anaemia, nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite.
In the presence of these symptoms, especially if they are not occasional, it is a good idea to refer to a gastroenterologist.
Does stress cause ulcers?
People diagnosed with peptic ulcers often report high levels of stress in their daily lives.
However, stress has not been shown to be the cause of peptic ulcers, but it can worsen their symptoms.
In the case of an ulcer, therefore, reducing the stress one is experiencing can certainly help the body; in this sense, one can
– try relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques;
– concentrate on physical activity, at least half an hour a day at a sustained pace;
– consult a psychologist or psychotherapist in case stress significantly affects your daily life.
How is peptic ulcer treated?
The treatment of a peptic ulcer is related to its cause, and in some cases there are multiple treatment options.
In the case where the cause of the ulcer is inadequate NSAID intake, treatment with NSAIDs is modified or discontinued, and drugs such as proton pump inhibitors capable of reducing acid production in the stomach are prescribed.
If the cause of the ulcer is an H. Pylori infection, therapy with specific antibiotics to eliminate the bacterium in combination with proton pump inhibitors is indicated.
Improving lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, limiting coffee consumption and avoiding alcohol are also important factors in healing an ulcer or avoiding its recurrence.
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