STOMACH ULCER

Firstly, Let's Define Ulcer. "Ulcer is an open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane which fails to heal. Ulcers range from small, painful sores in the mouth to bedsores and serious lesions of the stomach or intestine"

Eight out of ten patients that walk into the clinic/Hospital claim they have ulcer. Even though some of them are misinformed. They are actions and lifestyles that predispose to developing ulcer and having knowledge of these factors will help in preventing and combating this menace.

They include

• Inappropriate or long term use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), Such as Aspirin, and Ibuprofen.

NSAID'S are a group of painkillers. And by inappropriate, i mean prolonged use, wrong dosage and administration, wrong combinations.

This is what happens when you go to the “chemists” for treatment.

A young girl once came to me with Drugs she was given by a chemist for pain due to a knife cut for verification and when i saw the drugs and how she was taking them, i was amazed. The man had given her two (2) Cards Of Diclofenac with different trade names, 100mg each, and a card of Ibuprofen to take two (2) Tabs three times daily, and the was no advice to take with food, this is outrageous.

This is why it is necessary to visit the Hospital for prescriptions, and if the drugs get finished, the doctor would need to review the prescription, do not take this class of drugs for a prolonged time.

• Also an infection with the bacterium called H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori)

H. P is a type of Bacteria. These bacteria can enter your body and live in your digestive tract. It is Spiral in nature, and After many years, they can cause, ulcers in the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. For most people, this bacteria causing infections can lead to cancer of the stomach.
You Prevent H. Pylori by making sure you maintain a good hygienic lifestyle.    

H. Pylori

• Cigarette Smoking. “The ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to die young”, Well this is one of the ways. So it’s simple, Quit Smoking.

• Alcohol Intake. Am yet to see any good come out of excessive alcohol intake, it causes ULCER, it will be wise to reduce it’s intake.

• Hyper-acidity in the stomach, this may be related to food consumption, or even alcohol intake.  

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. If you experience any of this symptoms below, see your doctor.

1. Burning sensation or pain in the area between your chest and stomach. This pain can be excruciating, especially when the stomach is empty.
2.  Pain in the stomach.

3.  Lust of appetite due to pain.

4.  Nausea or vomiting.

5.  Blood in your feces.

6.  Black feces. 

Prevention

1.  Limit your alcohol consumption level, avoid smoking,

2.  Stop using UN-prescribed NSAIDs drugs, And when prescribed take the correct dosages.

Photo Credit  @vanguardngr

3.  In other for you to prevent the bacteria H. Pylori, always make sure you wash your hands very well.

4.  Avoid eating too much spicy foods. 

HEALTH IS WEALTH.
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