What is considered the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease is primarily caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric epithelium. This bacterium induces inflammation of the stomach lining and disrupts the mucosal barrier, leading to ulcerations in the gastric or duodenal tissue. The prevalence of H. pylori in individuals with peptic ulcers is significant, and it is considered a major contributing factor to ulcer development.

The identification of H. pylori as a leading cause has transformed the understanding and treatment of peptic ulcers, allowing for the use of antibiotic therapies in conjunction with acid-reducing medications. By targeting this specific bacterium, clinicians can effectively treat and often eradicate the underlying cause of peptic ulcers, leading to healing and symptom resolution.

While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, and alcohol consumption can all contribute to the development or exacerbation of peptic ulcers, they typically act in a secondary or compounding manner in the presence of H. pylori. NSAIDs can damage the mucosal barrier, stress may increase acid production, and alcohol can irritate the gastric lining but none of these factors directly cause peptic ulcers in the way that