Which factor is a primary risk for developing peptic ulcer disease?

The primary risk for developing peptic ulcer disease is the use of NSAIDs or aspirin. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin can significantly increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which play a crucial role in maintaining the protective lining of the stomach and intestines. When this protection is diminished, the stomach lining becomes more susceptible to the harmful effects of gastric acid, leading to ulcer formation.

While other factors such as excessive caffeine consumption, stress levels, and dietary choices can contribute to the development or aggravation of peptic ulcers, they are not primary risk factors compared to the direct impact NSAIDs and aspirin have on the gastric mucosa. Caffeine may exacerbate ulcer-related symptoms, and stress can affect overall gastrointestinal function, but neither is as directly connected to the ulcer formation mechanism as NSAIDs. Dietary choices can influence symptoms and management, but again, they do not pose the same inherent risk for ulcer development as the regular use of NSAIDs or aspirin.