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.

Hematemesis (vomiting blood)

Unexplained weight loss

Chest pain

Frequent nausea, vomiting, belching, or bloating.

Treatments

Antisecretory Drugs – Lower the rate of stomach acid secretions. Examples include Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, and Prevacid.

Defensive Drugs – Such as Carafate and Cytotec, that protect the stomach tissue from stomach acids.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori – Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat H. pylori bacteria. Different combinations of Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Metronidazole can be recommended. Many doctors also recommend taking a bismuth subsalicylate formula, such as Pepto-Bismol.

Surgery – Only for extreme cases or instances when a malignant ulcer is suspected. Surgeries can either remove the part of the stomach affected with the ulcer (antrectomy) or cut the vagotis nerve to reduce acid secretion (vagotomy).

Changes in Diet -  Primary changes include eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding long periods without food. Foods to be avoided include high-fat breads and cereals, whole milk and milk products, nuts and seeds, most pastries, raw vegetables, tomatoes and tomato products, citrus fruits and juices, carbonated beverages, coffee, alcohol, and strong seasonings and condiments (such as garlic, chili powder, black pepper, etc.)

Natural Remedies – Many natural therapies are available to treat ulcers, especially in the beginning stages.

A combination of linoleic acid (found in unprocessed grains) and evening primrose oil.

A daily quart of raw cabbage juice divided in equal doses throughout the day. Studies have proved raw cabbage has a remarkable effective remedy that can completely heal ulcers in less than two weeks.  

The herb goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties.

Licorice root, which has been proven in laboratory research to inhibit growth of H. pylori. Many herbal remedies for ulcers are prepared using the deglycyrrhizinated form of licorice (DGL).

A combination of vitamins (A, C, and E) and minerals (zinc and selenium) can be used to both prevent and treat ulcers.