A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem. A person can have a peptic ulcer with or without the risks below. The more risks a person has, the greater the chances are.
Peptic ulcers are more common in older adults. H. pylori infection is the most common risk factor for getting peptic ulcer disease. Other things that raise the risk are:
Medicines
Medicines that may raise the risk are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Oral corticosteroids
- Biphosphonates
- Potassium chloride
- Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
Health Problems
Health problems that may raise the risk are:
- Cytomegalovirus infection
- Crohn disease
Other Factors
Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Cocaine use
- Type O blood
- Having other family members with peptic ulcer disease
References
Lanas A, Chan FKL. Peptic ulcer disease. Lancet. 2017;390(10094):613-624.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease. Accessed May 5, 2022.
Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/peptic-ulcer-disease. Accessed May 5, 2022.
Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/all-content. Accessed May 5, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Update Date: 05/04/2022