Frequent Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking may interfere with the pancreas function to neutralize stomach acids; hence, increasing the level of acidity. Research has also shown that smoking may increase H. pylori bacteria infection risks, which weakens the protective vessels surrounding the stomach, causing acids to seep in and creating an irritation that develops into peptic ulcers.
Excessive Drinking
Studies have shown a relation between H. pylori bacteria infection and excessive consumption of alcohol. This bacterium weakens protective vessels, spikes up stomach acidity and is the leading cause of peptic sores. Alcohol [16] irritates the gastrointestinal tract, increasing acid levels and inflaming the stomach lining. This condition is called gastritis, which sometimes progresses to peptic ulcers.
Alcohol may worsen peptic ulcers because it irritates the stomach lining by stimulating excess production of acids. It may lead to severe complications like internal bleeding from the open sore or holes in the stomach wall.