By Mutalib Jibril
Examinations mark the end of a semester or session as the case may be.
Students rush back to their respective homes after the last papers and this time is always full of merriments , the hustle and bustle that accompanies it is usually exciting.
Ahmad and Musa met each other in the park and they started to get along.
Coincidentally, it happens that they’re going to the same state ,Kwara to be precise.
They boarded the same bus which served as an avenue to discuss about a lot of issues .
Eventually, the driver stopped after a long while for the passengers to buy food and relieve themselves.
Ahmad hurriedly bought a cheese burger with milk which they finished in no time.
Eventually,they reached Ilorin and Musa decided to spend a night before going to his hometown the next day.
Ahmad’s mother prepared Amala with a kind of peppery soup.
They delightfully ate to their satisfaction and they continued chatting remembering the funny moments in school.
Few hours later, Musa began to complain of stomach pain and became uncomfortable.
He was rushed to the nearby hospital where it was confirmed that he’s suffering from gastric ulcer.
This is owing to the fact that milk causes the stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices, which can make ulcers worse.
What is a Peptic Ulcer?
Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores, or ulcers, form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine. Many cases of peptic ulcer disease develop because a bacterial infection eats away the protective lining of the digestive system. People who frequently take pain relievers are more likely to develop ulcers.
Types of Peptic Ulcers
There are two main types of peptic ulcer namely;
Duodenal Ulcer: Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers that occur in the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum.
Gastric ulcer: Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers that develop in the lining of the stomach.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
Studies have shown that there are two main causes of ulcers:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
Pain-relieving NSAID medications.
Researchers believe people can transmit H. pylori from person to person, especially during childhood.
The H. pylori bacteria stick to the layer of mucus in the digestive tract and cause inflammation (irritation), which can cause this protective lining to break down. This breakdown is a problem because your stomach contains strong acid intended to digest food. Without the mucus layer to protect it, the acid can eat into stomach tissue.
However, for most people the presence of H. pylori doesn’t have a negative impact. Only 10% to 15% of people with H. pylori end up developing ulcers .
Pain Relievers
Another major cause of peptic ulcer is the use of NSAIDs ,a group of medication used to relieve pain .These medications have the potential to cause peptic ulcers: Aspirin Ibuprofen Naproxen e.t.c
Not everyone who takes NSAIDs will develop an ulcer.
Symptoms of Ulcers
The symptoms includes: Bloating, heartburn, nausea, pains that readily disappear after taking antacids.
Also, weight loss, vomiting, severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen , etc.
How Can Peptic Ulcers be Treated?
Peptic ulcers can be treated through a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications.
Antibiotics: These medications kill bacteria. It is used to treat H.pylori
Antacids
Cytoprotective Agents
Lifestyle changes: incorporating healthy lifestyle habits , including maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise,getting enough sleep and managing stress level.