Peptic ulcer disease is almost always caused by an infection with the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori.

Rare causes of peptic ulcer disease include:

• Alcohol
• Drugs that irritate the lining of the stomach:
• Aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid medications
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Severe burns
• Severe trauma