The term ulcer refers to an open sore on external or internal surface of the body caused by break in the skin or mucosal surface. It ranges from painful sores in the mouth to bedsores and serious lesions of the stomach or intestines. While the terms “peptic” is a word relating to pepsin which is an enzyme in the stomach that is involved in breaking down of proteins in the food that we eat. thus, Peptic Ulcer Diseases is the disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by open sores on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine(duodenum). The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is stomach pain.

Types of peptic ulcers include: Gastric ulcers, which appear on the inside of the stomach and duodenal ulcer, which appear on the inside of the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is a bacterium  called helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) which we contact due to poor hygienic conditions and when we consume untreated water and food contaminated with faeces. This bacterium can also be contacted from person to person through saliva and during hand shaking. Another  common cause of ulcer is the chronic use of drugs called NSAIDs, examples include: diclofenac, ibuprofen, aceclofenac, piroxicam, ketoprofen, ketorolac, naproxen etc. Other drugs that can lead to ulcer include: prednisolone, dexamethasone, caffeine, potassium, chloride etc. However, other factors that can put you at risk of developing ulcer include: stress, drinking too much alcohol and chewing tobacco, smoking and abuse of hard drugs. Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease may be similar to other digestive system disorders and include: stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, pains radiating to the back which could indicate that the ulcer has penetrated, pain relived by meals, heart burn and pains during hunger. Complications like bleeding, perforations and stomach obstruction can result when ulcer advances due to lack of proper treatment and self care.

HEALTH TIPS TO PREVENT PEPTIC ULCER AND WAYS TO ACHIVE HEALING WHEN YOU ARE ALREADY DOWN WITH THE DISEASE

Avoid excessive alcohol usage, smoking, chewing tobacco and using hard drugs. Do not mix different alcohol products.

Fine time to rest when you are stressed. You have only one life to live

Consult a doctor or Pharmacist before taking any medication, not your neighbour. Say no to self medication.

Drink water first in the morning.

Avoid consuming acidic fruits like oranges and pineapples on an empty stomach.

Consume more of slightly acidic and alkaline fruits like ripe water melon, banana, avocado, paw paw, green apples and cucumbers.

When you suspect ulcer symptoms, visit a competent and registered healthcare professional to recommend appropriate investigations and initiate the proper treatment.

Adopt a hygenic lifestyle by washing your hands regularly. Wash your food properly before cooking them and drink treated water. Do not put hands in your mouth after shaking hands with people until you wash them.

Avoid excessive use of caffeinated products.

Allow hot foods to cool off before consuming them.

By: Nestor Ogu(B.Pharm)