Although most ulcers are caused by an infection, stress, spicy food, and cigarrette smoking can certainly increase the chances of getting one. Other factors include excessive alcohol or coffee consumption; taking aspirin or ibuprofen repeatedly; having a family history of ulcers; and being type O blood (duodenal ulcers only).
According to Wikipedia, “A major causative factor (90% of gastric and 75% of duodenal ulcers) is chronic inflammation due to Helicobacter pylori, a [type of bacteria] that inhabits the antral mucosa and increases gastrin [hormone] production. Gastrin, in turn, stimulates the production of gastric acid.”
A ulcer is basically a small hole in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
A burning pain in the upper abdomen, specially if it gets better after you take antacids.
A pain that gets worse a couple hours after you eat or just before you eat. Some types of ulcers can produce pain during the meal.