…Why the ulcer rate is high in Nigeria
By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Ulcers are a common health problem in Nigeria and a major reason people visit clinics and even undergo emergency surgery. The burden is high because of poor sanitation, self-medication, herbal use, and limited awareness.
What is an Ulcer?
An ulcer is a circumscribed, complete loss of the lining of a body surface.
In simple terms: it is an open sore that occurs when the protective lining breaks down, and acid/digestive juices or infection eat into the tissue.
Different types of ulcers
Peptic Ulcer Disease – PUD
This is the most common type of ulcer, which occurs in parts of the digestive tract exposed to stomach acid and pepsin.
Gastric ulcer: This type of ulcer is in the stomach
Duodenal ulcer: This is in the first part of the small intestine
Esophageal ulcer: in the lower esophagus
Note: Recent Nigerian studies show gastric ulcers now outnumber duodenal ulcers in some centers.
Pressure ulcer / Decubitus ulcer: Skin and tissue damage from long pressure on bony areas, common in hospitalised patients. Prevalence among hospitalised adults in six South West Nigeria hospitals was 3.22%, and up to 13.84% nationally.
Chronic Ulcer / Wound Ulcer
(Long-standing infected wounds). In Ikeja, Lagos, common bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus mirabilis.
Buruli Ulcer: This is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans—a skin ulcer mostly on extremities. In three rural districts, crude prevalence was 18.7 per 100,000.
In most cases, many Nigerians attribute the word, “ulcer”, to peptic ulcer.
The exact national rate for PUD is uncertain, but Nigeria has long been listed as a high-prevalence area.
H. pylori infection among people with peptic ulcers: 50% to 90%. One study in Owerri West found 82.5% tested positive.
PUD prevalence in South Nigeria: about 6.7%, matching a global 5-10% trend.
Perforated peptic ulcer: This is common between ages 30 and 39 years in the Lagos series. Delayed presentation is common.
Major causes/risk factors:
…To be continued
For questions or medical consultations, contact Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
