Question

The vast majority of ulcers within the area of the digestive tract shown here (Figure 22.12C) are caused by

Choose one:
A. a virus, hepatitis C.
B. colorectal cancer.
C. stress.
D. a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori.

Answer 1

The vast majority of ulcers within the digestive tract are caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium can tolerate the acidic stomach environment and is associated with 80% of stomach ulcers and over 90% of duodenal ulcers. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vast majority of ulcers within the digestive tract are caused by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is able to tolerate the acidic environment of the stomach and has been shown to be a major cause of peptic ulcers. It is estimated that approximately 80% of stomach ulcers and over 90% of duodenal ulcers are associated with H. pylori infection.

The presence of H. pylori can be diagnosed through endoscopy or by the presence of symptoms, and treatment usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and medications to reduce stomach acid and aid in healing.

Other contributing factors to peptic ulcers include the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and potentially tobacco smoking and stress, although these factors have not been definitively proven to cause ulcers independently of H. pylori infection.