By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State Government has called on residents to seek early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for stomach ulcers, emphasizing that prompt medical care is essential to preventing serious health complications and improving treatment outcomes.
The advisory follows renewed public awareness by Nigerian medical doctor and health educator, Aproko Doctor, who, in a health education video shared on his Facebook page on July 3, educated the public on the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of stomach ulcers.
According to the medical expert, stomach ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, explaining that the condition is primarily caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and the prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rather than spicy foods or stress, as is commonly believed.
The state government, through the Anambra State Ministry of Health, urged residents experiencing persistent stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, black stools, or other symptoms suggestive of ulcers to seek prompt medical attention instead of resorting to self-medication, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of painkillers, noting that their prolonged or inappropriate use can increase the risk of developing or worsening stomach ulcers.
Health experts warn that untreated ulcers can lead to severe complications, including internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach, and obstruction of the digestive tract, stressing that early diagnosis, proper medical evaluation, and adherence to prescribed treatment remain the most effective ways to prevent these life-threatening conditions.
As part of its commitment to promoting healthy living, the Anambra State Government encouraged residents to adopt preventive measures such as avoiding the unnecessary use of pain-relieving medications, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, maintaining good personal hygiene, and visiting qualified health facilities whenever symptoms persist.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public health through sustained health education, disease prevention initiatives, and improved access to quality healthcare services, while urging Ndi Anambra to prioritize their health by seeking professional medical care whenever the need arises.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
