Whether post-surgery or every day discomfort, people often use pain relief medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. While they may help alleviate the pain, they can also have a negative effect on the protective lining of the stomach.

Dr. Garth George of Advanced Gastroenterology and Surgery Associates explains that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can cause peptic ulcer disease and make ulcer symptoms worse.