No. The main causes of ulcers are H. pylori and anti-inflammatory painkillers. But spicy food can make some symptoms worse. Here is how to tell.
What really causes ulcers
For a long time, ulcers were blamed on stress and spicy food. We now know that most stomach and duodenal ulcers are caused by:
- H. pylori, a bacterium that infects the stomach lining
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers and aspirin, especially when taken regularly
Smoking and heavy alcohol use add to the risk. Chilli is not a cause.
Why spicy food can still hurt
- If you already have an ulcer or gastritis, chilli can make the burning feel worse
- It can trigger heartburn in people with acid reflux
- It can bring on pain in people with a sensitive stomach (functional dyspepsia) or IBS
- It can cause a burning feeling at the anus the next day
If spicy food bothers you, eat less of it, but there is no need to avoid it if you feel fine.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for upper abdominal pain that keeps coming back, pain that wakes you at night, or warning signs such as black stools, vomiting, weight loss or anaemia. Testing for H. pylori, or a gastroscopy, may be advised.
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-13. Book a consultation.