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Ulcer is an infectious disease, according to scientists
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Recently, more and more gastroenterologists have been studying such diseases as ulcers and gastritis. Specialists from Great Britain assure that ulcers are infectious diseases and therefore can be transmitted by airborne droplets and through kissing. The opinions of Ukrainian doctors on this issue are divided: some doctors are sure that ulcers can only be transmitted through cutlery, while others agree with their English colleagues and confirm that the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers can be transmitted through saliva.
Previously, scientists were sure that ulcers were either a hereditary disease or a disease that affected people with nervous system diseases, smokers, and those who drink alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach. Recent studies show that stomach ulcers, like gastritis that precedes them, are infectious diseases that anyone can get.
The first studies of the stomach microflora of patients with ulcers were conducted more than twenty years ago, when doctors from Australia discovered a previously unknown microorganism in the mucous membrane of a patient's stomach. At that time, several scientists were laughed at even after they managed to artificially grow the discovered microorganism, called "Helicobacter pylori".
Seasonal exacerbations have also been noted in patients with ulcers or gastritis. Doctors, looking at statistics, have found that the greatest number of complaints occur in the autumn and spring. Previously, it was widely believed that ulcers are hereditary diseases. In connection with the results of recent studies, scientists have concluded that the spread of this disease within a family is not associated with family ties and genetic characteristics, but with the fact that the Helicobacter pylori bacterium can be transmitted through shared cutlery, bath towels, and kisses. Doctors advise paying special attention to regular examinations to those people whose families have people suffering from stomach ulcers. There is also a risk of infection during examination if the equipment is poorly sterilized.
Most people who are forced to maintain close contact with patients have a high risk of getting an ulcer. The bacteria that causes the disease can remain in the body for a long time without showing up. Signs of the disease can be detected with a significant decrease in immunity, nervous disorders, abuse of alcoholic beverages or smoking on an empty stomach.
Medicines such as aspirin and paracetamol can also provoke the occurrence of stomach ulcers or gastritis. Too spicy food, unusual for daily use, nervous breakdown, lack of sleep can also cause the disease.
For an accurate diagnosis, doctors conduct a breath test that can determine the presence of bacteria that cause ulcers in the body. If the result is positive, the patient is prescribed drugs that cause a decrease in stomach acidity. The treatment does not take long and guarantees 95% restoration of normal stomach microflora.