Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Stomach (Peptic) Ulcers – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

NSAIDs

Another common trigger of stomach ulcers is the long-term use of NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include both prescription and OTC products with naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and aspirin. When you take these medications, they would make the stomach more prone to damaging effects of pepsin and acid by interrupting with the capability of the stomach to release bicarbonate and mucus. Bicarbonate can neutralize digestive elements and break them down to reduce harmful effects. If you have H.pylori and take NSAIDs at the same time, the risk can be even higher.[4]