Morenike Osundina, consultant gastroenterologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has advocated for a framework to ensure that people are promptly tested and treated for peptic ulcer.

Ms Osundina said on Thursday in Ibadan that the cost of testing and treating diseases such as peptic ulcer had soared, necessitating government intervention.

“The government can do this through increased enrollment into the NHIS scheme, among other aids,” she said.

The gastroenterologist gave the commonest risk factor for peptic ulcer as helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that stays in the stomach to cause harm to the lining of the stomach and duodenum).

She said the bug was commonly seen in contaminated water.

“If we can ensure that what we eat and drink is clean, we can at least have a chance of reducing the likelihood of coming down with the bad effects associated with this bacterium.

“Alcohol intake, tobacco use and indiscriminate use of painkillers that we call non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are other risk factors that must be taken care of.

“Nigerians should be mindful of what they eat and drink and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Those with symptoms such as abdominal pain, occasional vomiting and vomiting of blood (if severe) should come to the hospital for proper care,” said Ms Osundina.

She added, “Anyone above the age of 40 years with the symptoms must come to the hospital for review.”

Regarding fasting causing ulcers, the gastroenterologist emphasises that it’s a myth.

“Though fasting may worsen the symptoms of certain ulcers, it is not enough to cause ulcers. It is also a myth that vitamin C causes ulcers. Vitamin C helps with wound healing, and research has not demonstrated any link of its use causing ulcers,” Ms Osundina said.

(NAN)