Question

Consider the following sentence: The risk factors for peptic ulcer include
1. Regular use of aspirin or steroids
2. Tobacco smoking
3. Familial predisposition
4. Dietary habits
Which of these statements are correct?

• A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
• B. 1 and 2
• C. 1 and 3
• D. 2 and 3

Hint:

Go through each factor on its own merit, most turn out to be genuine contributors to ulcer risk.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question.
The question lists four possible risk factors for peptic ulcer and asks which of them are actually correct.

Step 2: Key Concept.
Peptic ulcer forms when the protective mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged and acid exposure exceeds the mucosa's ability to repair itself. Several factors can tip this balance.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Regular use of aspirin or steroids weakens the protective mucus and prostaglandin barrier of the stomach lining, letting acid injure the tissue underneath. This is a well established risk factor.
Tobacco smoking increases acid secretion, reduces the blood supply that helps healing, and slows down mucosal repair, all of which raise ulcer risk.
Familial predisposition matters too, some people inherit a higher parietal cell mass or a particular blood group pattern that makes them more prone to ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori infection also tends to cluster within families sharing close contact.
Dietary habits, such as spicy food, irregular meal timing, and heavy alcohol use, can also irritate the stomach lining and contribute to ulcer formation.
Since all four listed factors, aspirin or steroid use, smoking, familial predisposition, and dietary habits, are genuine risk factors, none of them should be left out.

Step 4: Final Answer.
All four statements, 1, 2, 3 and 4, are correct risk factors for peptic ulcer.