Why Does Smoking Cause Ulcers?

That smoking is harmful is a known fact. It causes lung and other cancers, respiratory problems like bronchitis and emphysema as well as pulmonary problems like heart diseases and high blood pressure. But another very important system that gets affected by smoking is the digestive system.

What is an ulcer?
A stomach ulcer is called a peptic ulcer. They are open sores on the inner lining of the stomach and duodenum or beginning of small intestine. They are painful and can also cause inflammation, especially when you consume food.

Why does smoking cause ulcers?
The digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients from everything that enters the body. It is, therefore, very sensitive and can get affected easily. Peptic ulcers are usually a result of bacterial infections, especially by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Smoking has been seen to increase the incidence of infection by this bacteria. Research has shown that smokers have a greater incidence of ulcers. Not only this, their ulcers do not heal easily and can be fatal more than in non smokers.

Another reason for smokers getting stomach ulcers is stomach acid. Stomach produces acid that is neutralized by naturally occurring sodium bicarbonate, an alkali, if there is any excess or if this acid goes out of the stomach. Smoking has been shown to reduce the amount of this alkali. Due to this, the acid does not get neutralizes if it gets out of the stomach.

This acid is very strong and can cause serious damage if other tissues are exposed to it. In the absence of the alkali, this acid attacks other digestive tract tissues and causes ulcers. This happens especially in the duodenum.

This is juts one more reason why smokers should quit immediately or as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the body.