Surge in stomach ulcers among young Ugandans sarks medical concern
An ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. Ulcer symptoms include stomach pain, bloating and feeling full fast.
Medical experts are raising alarms over a concerning rise in stomach ulcers, particularly among the youth.
An ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. Ulcer symptoms include stomach pain, bloating and feeling full fast.
Reports from Mulago National Referral Hospital indicate that self-medication practices and unhealthy lifestyle choices are significantly contributing to this troubling trend.
The widespread use of over-the-counter painkillers and self-medication has been identified as a major factor in the rising incidence of stomach ulcers among young Ugandans.
Dr Vianney Kweyamba, an endoscopic and liver surgeon at Mulago Hospital, emphasises the dangers posed by these practices.
"Many young people are indulging in corrosive alcohol consumption and self-prescribing painkillers, both of which contribute significantly to the formation of gastric ulcers," Dr Kweyamba said.
Gastric ulcers are often caused by consuming contaminated or poorly prepared food, combined with excessive alcohol consumption and the prolonged use of painkillers.
"These factors create an environment in which the stomach lining is damaged, leading to ulcer formation," Kweyamba said.
Additionally, duodenal ulcers, which develop in the first part of the small intestine, can result in severe bleeding and, if left untreated, may increase the risk of cancer.
The rise in ulcer cases among the youth is prompting concern among healthcare providers, who are advocating for lifestyle changes and early medical intervention.
Dr Kweyamba advises: "Adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking timely medical care are crucial steps in preventing the debilitating effects of ulcers. This includes reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding the unsupervised use of medications."
Mulago National Referral Hospital has reported attending to a patient with a perforated ulcer nearly every day, alongside numerous others seeking treatment at the gastrointestinal clinic.
Call to Action
In response to this growing health challenge, medical experts are calling for public awareness campaigns to educate Ugandans about the dangers of self-medication and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
They emphasise the need for individuals to consult healthcare professionals before taking medications and to seek medical advice promptly if experiencing symptoms of ulcers, such as persistent abdominal pain.
