Common Causes of Stomach Ulcers in Nigeria

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach. They’re a type of peptic ulcer, which also includes ulcers in the small intestine and esophagus. In Nigeria, stomach ulcers are becoming a frequent health issue, affecting both young and older individuals. Unhealthy dietary habits, stress, and other lifestyle factors contribute significantly to this trend. Understanding what causes stomach ulcers can help in managing and preventing them, so let’s examine the most common causes in Nigeria.

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection

One of the leading causes of stomach ulcers globally, including in Nigeria, is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium is highly prevalent in Nigeria and often spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact with infected individuals. Once it enters the digestive system, H. pylori weakens the stomach’s protective lining, making it more susceptible to acid damage.

In Nigeria, poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean drinking water create ideal conditions for the spread of H. pylori. This infection is not always symptomatic, so many people may carry the bacterium without knowing it, putting them at a higher risk for stomach ulcers.

2. Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are commonly used in Nigeria to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, regular use of NSAIDs can harm the stomach lining, especially when taken on an empty stomach or without proper guidance from a healthcare provider. NSAIDs work by blocking certain enzymes that are also responsible for protecting the stomach lining, leaving it exposed to stomach acid. Over time, this damage leads to the development of ulcers.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians use NSAIDs frequently to manage headaches, muscle pain, and other common ailments without fully understanding the risks associated with their long-term use. Access to these medications without a prescription can also contribute to improper usage and misuse.

3. Poor Dietary Habits

Eating habits play a major role in stomach health. In Nigeria, the rising trend of fast foods, spicy meals, and heavily fried dishes increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Foods high in fats, oils, and spices can irritate the stomach lining, especially when consumed regularly. Additionally, skipping meals or eating irregularly can cause excessive stomach acid production, which further irritates the stomach lining.

Cultural preferences for spicy foods are prevalent in Nigerian cuisine, with meals rich in peppers and seasonings that may worsen irritation in people prone to ulcers. Combined with irregular eating patterns and a lack of fruits and vegetables in some diets, these habits can increase the likelihood of ulcer formation.

4. High Levels of Stress

While stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can exacerbate symptoms and create conditions favorable for ulcer formation. In Nigeria, financial pressures, job instability, and a fast-paced lifestyle contribute to high stress levels. Under stress, the body produces more stomach acid, which can lead to acid imbalances that harm the stomach lining. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections, including H. pylori.

Many people in Nigeria may not seek proper methods to manage stress, and in some cases, resort to smoking or drinking alcohol, which can increase their risk of developing stomach ulcers.

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5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is widely consumed in social gatherings across Nigeria, and while moderate drinking might not directly cause stomach ulcers, excessive intake can damage the stomach lining. Alcohol increases acid production in the stomach, making it more likely for acid to erode the protective lining and form an ulcer.

In addition, drinking alcohol can aggravate existing stomach ulcers, leading to more severe symptoms. Many people may underestimate the effects of regular alcohol consumption on their digestive health, increasing the risk of ulcers, especially when combined with other risk factors like poor diet or smoking.

6. Smoking

Smoking is another risk factor for stomach ulcers that has grown in prevalence in Nigeria, especially among young people. Smoking increases the risk of ulcers by reducing the production of bicarbonate, a substance that helps protect the stomach lining. Nicotine also stimulates stomach acid production, further damaging the lining and increasing ulcer risk.

Additionally, smoking can delay the healing of existing ulcers and make them more resistant to treatment. In Nigeria, where smoking is often adopted as a coping mechanism for stress, this habit only worsens the chance of developing stomach ulcers and related complications.

7. Genetic Predisposition

Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing ulcers. If someone has a family history of stomach ulcers, they may be more likely to experience them as well. Genetic factors can affect the production of stomach acid and the strength of the stomach lining, making certain people more susceptible to ulcers, even without lifestyle factors that typically increase risk.

While genetics may not be as easy to control, being aware of one’s family medical history and taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of ulcer development in those predisposed to it.

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8. Lack of Access to Proper Healthcare and Diagnosis

In Nigeria, many individuals may experience ulcer symptoms but lack access to proper healthcare facilities or diagnostic tests to confirm an ulcer. In some cases, people self-diagnose or rely on traditional treatments, which can worsen symptoms if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Lack of timely medical intervention allows an ulcer to progress untreated, making it more difficult to manage as time goes on. Additionally, some people may resort to over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies, which might provide temporary relief but can aggravate the condition without targeting the root cause.

9. Skipping Meals or Fasting for Extended Periods

While fasting is a common practice for religious or personal reasons, skipping meals or fasting for prolonged periods can lead to an imbalance in stomach acid production. When the stomach is empty, it continues to produce acid, which can start to erode its lining in the absence of food to neutralize it. Over time, this can result in stomach ulcers.

In Nigeria, people often fast for religious purposes, sometimes for extended periods without adequate hydration or nourishment. Although fasting is not a direct cause of ulcers, combining fasting with other risk factors like stress or an H. pylori infection can increase the likelihood of developing ulcers.

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10. Consuming Certain Medications Without a Doctor’s Supervision

Beyond NSAIDs, other medications, like corticosteroids, can increase ulcer risk when taken for extended periods without medical supervision. These medications can reduce the protective lining of the stomach, increasing vulnerability to acid damage. In Nigeria, many people self-medicate without consulting healthcare professionals, especially for pain relief and chronic conditions, which increases the risk of medication-induced ulcers.

Prevention and Management of Stomach Ulcers

To lower the risk of stomach ulcers, You  can make lifestyle adjustments, such as:

1. Seeking medical advice before starting regular NSAID use or any prolonged medication.
2. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and ensuring access to clean drinking water to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.
3. Eating a balanced diet with fewer spicy and fried foods, and incorporating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the stomach lining.
4. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or hobbies, which can minimize acid imbalances in the stomach.
5. Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking, as both can irritate the stomach and slow the healing of existing ulcers.

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