Medical experts have warned Nigerians to stop believing that ulcers are caused by skipping meals, spicy foods, or stress. Gastroenterologists say these are common myths that continue to mislead people and delay proper treatment.
They explained that the real causes of most ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the long-term use of painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and piroxicam.
“Not eating doesn’t cause ulcers. may make symptoms worse if the ulcer is already there, but the real culprits are H. pylori and the overuse of drugs like Alabukun, Feldene, and Diclofenac,” said Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Oyeleke also warned Nigerians against self-diagnosis and misuse of common painkillers, saying these can harm the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers.
She added, “Spicy food and stress don’t cause ulcers. They can make symptoms worse, but they are not the underlying cause. People need to stop blaming pepper and start checking for infections and drug habits.”
Ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. They can cause burning or gnawing stomach pain, and in severe cases, lead to complications that require hospital treatment.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 5–10% of people worldwide will have a peptic ulcer during their lifetime, with men and middle-aged adults more commonly affected.
Dr. Muyiwa Bojuwoye, another gastroenterologist, also emphasized the same point.
“The commonest causes remain H. pylori infection and the prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac, and piroxicam,” he said.
He noted that stress and poor diet might make the symptoms worse, but they are not the direct cause of ulcers.
“Stress might aggravate symptoms, but it is not a cause. The same goes for spicy food; it irritates but does not cause ulcers,” he added.
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Dr. Bojuwoye advised people to stop self-medicating with painkillers or herbal mixtures, and instead visit a specialist for proper testing and treatment.
“Many people mistake general abdominal pain for ulcers, which is dangerous. There are other serious causes of stomach pain, including cancer,” he warned.
Experts also advised that H. pylori infection is spread through contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene. They encouraged people to wash their hands regularly and avoid sharing eating utensils.
Dr. Oyeleke said ulcers are best diagnosed with a test called endoscopy, not blood tests, and that proper treatment can cure the infection.
“There’s no such thing as ‘just ulcer.’ People need to stop self-medicating and get tested,” she said.
In 2021, a study found that many students in Kwara State believed ulcers were caused by spicy food, fasting, or spiritual reasons. Shockingly, only one student out of 300 correctly identified H. pylori as the cause.
Doctors are now calling for more public health education, especially for young people.
“Milk doesn’t heal ulcers. Antacids give only temporary relief. And ulcers don’t just affect older people – they can happen to anyone,” said Dr. Bojuwoye.
They urged Nigerians to seek medical help early and stop believing in harmful myths