Political Analysis and Global Affairs

  Smoking is a risk factor for developing gastric or duodenal ulcers. Here are some ways smoking affects the risk of developing these ulcers: Smoking increases the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and duodenum, leading to the formation of ulcers 1 4 . Smoking increases the risk of bile salt reflux, which can raise the risk of gastric ulcer in smokers 1 . Smoking reduces the level of circulating epidermal growth factor (EGF) and decreases the secretion of EGF from the salivary gland, which are necessary for gastric mucosal cell renewal 1 . Smoking reduces prostaglandin generation in the gastric mucosa of smokers, thereby making the mucosa susceptible to ulceration 1 . Smokers are more likely to develop peptic ulcers 2 .  Ulcers are painful sores in the lining of the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine. Current smoking increases the risk for ulcer perforation 10-fold in the age group 15–74 years 5 . In summary, smoking can harm...

  Gastric and duodenal ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum)   4 .  These ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms and complications. Symptoms The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the center of the abdomen 7 .  The pain may be dull or burning and may come and go over time. For some people, the pain may occur when the stomach is empty or at night, and it may go away for a short time after they eat. For other people, eating may make the pain worse 2 .  Other symptoms include feeling full too soon while eating a meal, feeling uncomfortably full after eating a meal, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and belching 2 . Diagnosis To diagnose a peptic ulcer, your doctor may ask about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and order tests such as an upper GI endoscopy 3 .  During an upper GI endoscopy, a doctor uses an endoscope—a flexible tube ...