Peptic ulcer, known as ogbe inu in Yoruba, onya in igbo, and miki in hausa, can be simply defined as sore of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or digestive tract lining, the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine especially. Although the prevalence of peptic ulcer in Nigeria is not exactly known yet, chances are that you know someone or you know someone that knows someone with stomach ulcer, which is the commonest type of peptic ulcer. However, there is still so much misconception around this disease. Let us take a look into some of them.
1. Skipping breakfast/fasting is the primary cause of Ulcer
Having breakfast regularly is a healthy practice, yet skipping breakfast is not the primary cause of ulcer. The stomach normally produces some acidic juices to aid food digestion. The lining of the GIT, however, is protected from the effects of the stomach juices. If these protective mechanisms get compromised, the acids can work on the walls of the digestive tract and ulcerate them. Recent studies have shown that the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, which is introduced into the stomach and intestine through contaminated food and water, and coming in contact with contaminated fluids like saliva, poses a major threat to the integrity of the GIT walls and hence the primary cause of ulcer.
2. Eating some kinds of food can cause Ulcer
Many believe that eating a lot of peppery and acidic food can make one have peptic ulcer, but that, as far as research is concerned, is incorrect. The only type of food that can lead to the ulceration of your GIT is contaminated food, as earlier discussed. Peptic ulcer patients are advised to stay off spicy, rocky, and highly acidic food not because that was what caused the ulcer, but because their stomach walls are already injured and eating those foods will worsen the pain.
3. Peptic ulcer has no Cure
This is a myth you've probably heard more than once. Yet, studies show that peptic ulcer can be cured if diagnosed early and treated properly. The first step in treating ulcer is identifying the cause and getting rid of it. Giving antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori have been proven to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcer. They can be used alongside proton pump blockers, which reduce the amount of stomach acids being secreted. Moreover, a group of drug known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), or simply put, painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, if used regularly, can compromise the integrity of the GIT walls. Desisting from the use of these drugs can therefore be the first step in treating some ulcers. When these treatments begin early, are strictly adhered to and properly followed up, peptic ulcer can be cured, many of the times.
4. Overeating can cure Ulcer
People who eat regularly have lesser chances of having ulcer because whether your stomach is full or empty, it still produces acidic secretions. These secretions tend to work on the stomach walls when there’s no food in the stomach, hence an acidic environment makes the GIT more prone to ulceration. However, this is only a secondary cause of ulcer, as the digestive tract naturally has means of protecting its lining. The primary cause still needs to be taken away. So, overeating does not cure ulcer. It might make the patient feel better for a while. In extreme cases even, overeating can constipate the ulcer patient. This is why people with peptic ulcers are not advised to overeat, but to eat regularly.