Source: Mariam Ileyemi

An image to illustrate gastric ulcer (PHOTO CREDIT: Wikipedia)

Many Nigerians commonly believe that stress, spicy foods, or skipping meals are the main causes of stomach ulcers. However, medical experts say the real culprit in most cases is a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This little-known organism infects the stomach lining and is responsible for a majority of peptic ulcer cases worldwide, including in Nigeria.

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can live in the digestive tract for years without showing symptoms. Over time, it can cause inflammation, damage to the stomach lining, and painful ulcers. In more serious cases, it has even been linked to stomach cancer and a rare type of lymphoma.

Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explains that the belief linking ulcers to stress or fasting is outdated and misleading.

H. pylori has special features that allow it to survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. It burrows beneath the stomach’s protective mucus layer, where it causes inflammation and weakens the cells that normally regulate acid production. As acid levels rise, the stomach lining becomes more vulnerable to injury, leading to ulcers.

How the Infection Spreads

H. pylori infection is very common, especially in developing countries. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or saliva.

“The infection is typically acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated with stool or through contact with the saliva of an infected person,” Dr. Oyeleke noted.

This makes H. pylori a disease closely linked to poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and lack of access to clean water.

How to Prevent H. pylori Infection

Prevention largely comes down to good hygiene and environmental health. Here are some key steps to reduce your risk:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water
• Proper toilet habits
• Safe food handling and preparation
• Drinking clean, treated water
• Proper sewage and waste disposal
• Seeking early treatment if symptoms develop

The World Health Organization (WHO) has even classified H. pylori as a carcinogen due to its links to gastric cancer.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many people with H. pylori have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Black or bloody stools (in severe cases)

In Nigeria, diagnosis can be done through various methods:

• Blood tests to detect antibodies
• Stool tests to find antigens
• Breath tests specific to H. pylori
• Endoscopy with biopsy analysis

Is It Curable?

Yes, H. pylori infections are treatable with the right combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications. However, treatment must be completed exactly as prescribed to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent recurrence.

Complications of Untreated Infection

If left untreated, H. pylori can lead to:

• Chronic gastritis
• Peptic ulcers (gastric and duodenal)
• Gastric cancer
• Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma
• Increased risk of iron deficiency anaemia, heart disease, and stroke

Final Thoughts

Ulcers are a common but serious health issue in Nigeria. Dispelling myths and educating the public about H. pylori can lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Dr. Oyeleke encourages all Nigerians to practice good hygiene, seek medical care early, and stop blaming ulcers on skipped meals or stress alone.