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20 years
Can alcohol give you an ulcer?
Oct 7, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
The relationship between alcohol and gastritis (inflammation of the inner linings of the stomach) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD or 2ar7a) is complex, and may be related to amounts consumed. Chronic alcohol abuse promotes the growth of bacteria called H pylori, which is the leading cause of ulcers in the gut. This microbe produces ammonia which contributes to gastritis. Alcohol may be implicated in interfering with the healing of already existing ulcers, although this has not been demonstrated in patients on proton pump inhibitors (a class of drugs that blocks the acid pumps and thus decrease stomach acidity).
The picture gets ambiguous, as other studies have shown an inverse association between moderate alcohol consumption and H pylori infection. Alcohol may actually have bactericidal (bacteria killing) effects on H pylori, and it may prevent infection and associated gastritis by stimulating the stomach cells to produce substances that will protect the inner stomach linings. This holds true for moderate alcohol consumption, but not for higher intakes, where greater risk for infection was noted. The protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption against gastritis and peptic ulcers is not seen among smokers; in combination with smoking, alcohol increases the risk for duodenal ulcer.
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