Peptic ulcers, commonly known as stomach ulcers, are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach (gastric ulcer) or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Symptoms can vary widely with some people experience intense pain, while others feel very little. These sores are characterized by their slow-healing nature.
Peptic ulcers are primarily caused by:
- Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve), which can erode the protective mucus layer of the digestive tract.
Despite being a common condition in Nigeria, the complexities surrounding peptic ulcers have led to numerous misconceptions often mistaken for facts. Believing these myths about peptic ulcers can negatively impact how people manage the condition and seek treatment.
Common Myths About Peptic Ulcers in Nigeria (and the Facts)
Let’s debunk some widespread myths about peptic ulcers and clarify the reality:
Myth 1: Stress Causes Peptic Ulcers
False. This is a persistent myth about peptic ulcers. While chronic stress isn’t healthy and can worsen existing ulcer symptoms (by potentially increasing acid production or slowing healing), stress itself does not directly cause the ulcer sore to form. The primary culprits remain H. pylori infection and NSAID use.
Myth 2: Spicy Food Causes Peptic Ulcers
False. Spicy foods do not burn holes in your stomach lining or cause ulcers to develop. While some individuals with existing ulcers find that spicy foods irritate their symptoms, many others tolerate them fine. It doesn’t cause the ulcer itself. If spicy food causes discomfort when you have an ulcer, avoiding it is sensible.
Myth 3: Fatty/Sugary Foods Cause Peptic Ulcers
False. While a diet high in fast food, fats, and sugars is generally unhealthy, it doesn’t directly cause peptic ulcers. However, like spicy foods, these foods can aggravate the symptoms of an existing ulcer for some people.
Myth 4: Overeating Carbs Causes Peptic Ulcers
False. Similar to other food myths, carbohydrates do not cause stomach ulcers. They might worsen symptoms in some individuals with active ulcers, but they are not the underlying cause.
Myth 5: Citrus Fruits Are Bad for Ulcers
False (Mostly). Because citrus fruits are acidic, many assume they worsen ulcers. However, there’s little scientific evidence for this myth about peptic ulcers. Most people with ulcers tolerate citrus fruits fine. If they personally cause you discomfort, avoid them.
Myth 6: Milk Heals Ulcers
False. Milk does not heal ulcers. While it might provide very brief, temporary relief by coating the stomach lining, it actually stimulates the stomach to produce more acid shortly after, potentially making symptoms worse in the long run.
Myth 7: Alcohol Causes Peptic Ulcers
False. Alcohol consumption doesn’t directly cause ulcers to form. However, heavy alcohol use can irritate the stomach lining, increase acid production, slow ulcer healing, and put you at a higher risk of developing ulcers, especially if combined with H. pylori or NSAID use.
Myth 8: Wine Heals Peptic Ulcers
False. No alcoholic beverage heals ulcers. Some older, limited research suggested moderate wine intake might have a slight protective effect against H. pylori infection, but this is not a reason to drink alcohol, especially if you have an ulcer. Alcohol generally irritates existing ulcers.
Myth 9: Carbonated Drinks Cause Ulcers
False. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Pepsi don’t cause ulcers. However, they can increase stomach acid secretion, which may irritate an existing ulcer and worsen symptoms.
Myth 10: Black Tea is Good for Ulcers
False. While sometimes used for upset stomachs, black tea contains caffeine and tannins that can stimulate stomach acid, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms for many. (Interestingly, some limited research suggests it might help with alcohol-induced gastric lesions, but not standard peptic ulcers).
Myth 11: Turmeric Heals Ulcers
Inconclusive/False. While turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, research on its ability to heal peptic ulcers is limited and conflicting. Some studies show no benefit or even potential irritation. It’s not a proven treatment.
Myth 12: Ginger Treats Ulcers
False. Ginger is excellent for nausea and bloating and might soothe some ulcer-related discomfort (like indigestion), but it does not treat the underlying ulcer itself.
Myth 13: Smoking Causes Ulcers
False (Directly). Smoking doesn’t directly create the ulcer sore. However, smoking significantly increases your risk of developing ulcers, makes ulcers harder to heal, and increases the chance of recurrence. It weakens the stomach’s defenses and may increase acid production.
Myth 14: Depression/Anxiety Cause Peptic Ulcers
False. Like stress, mental health conditions don’t directly cause ulcers. However, they are associated with increased risk, possibly due to related stress responses or lifestyle factors, and can certainly worsen the symptoms of an existing ulcer.
Myth 15: Stomach Acid Causes Peptic Ulcers
False (Alone). Stomach acid is essential for digestion but is normally kept away from the stomach lining by a protective mucus layer. Ulcers form when this layer is damaged (usually by H. pylori or NSAIDs), allowing acid to irritate the exposed tissue. Increased acidity alone doesn’t typically cause ulcers; many people with ulcers have normal acid levels. The breakdown of the protective barrier is key.
Myth 16: Only Pain/Vomiting/Bloating are Ulcer Symptoms
False. While common, peptic ulcer symptoms vary. Others include:
- A gnawing or burning ache in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full quickly
- Frequent hunger pangs
- Pain relief after eating (especially for duodenal ulcers)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Constant burping
- Lack of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
Myth 17: Gastritis and Ulcers Are the Same
False. Both involve inflammation of the stomach lining and can share symptoms (pain, nausea). However, gastritis is general inflammation, while an ulcer is a distinct open sore penetrating deeper into the lining. Chronic gastritis can sometimes lead to ulcers.
Myth 18: Some People Just Get Ulcers Randomly
False. Peptic ulcers have specific causes, primarily H. pylori infection (which can be transmitted between people or via contaminated sources) or NSAID use. They don’t just appear without reason.
Myth 19: Ulcers Can’t Be Cured Completely
False. This is one of the most damaging myths about peptic ulcers. With proper diagnosis and treatment (usually involving antibiotics for H. pylori and/or acid-reducing medications), most peptic ulcers can be completely cured. Leaving them untreated leads to ongoing discomfort and potential complications.
Myth 20: There’s No Lab Test for Peptic Ulcers
Absolutely False. Believing this dangerous myth about peptic ulcers prevents people from seeking accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Several tests can diagnose ulcers and their underlying cause (especially H. pylori). Don’t just endure the symptoms.
Getting Tested: The Key to Effective Ulcer Treatment
Don’t let myths about peptic ulcers dictate your health choices. Most ulcers are caused by treatable factors (H. pylori, NSAIDs). If you experience persistent upper abdominal pain, indigestion, or other potential symptoms, getting tested is crucial.
Stop guessing based on stomach ulcer myths. HealthTracka offers a reliable Peptic Ulcer Test, often designed to detect the common H. pylori infection. Confirming the cause allows for targeted, effective treatment. Book your convenient at-home test in Nigeria today and get the facts about your health.
