Contrary to widespread belief in Nigeria, eating pepper or skipping meals does not cause stomach ulcers. The real culprits are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac. Stomach ulcers are treatable and often completely curable with proper medical care.
Common Myths Debunked
Many Nigerians have been told by parents, friends, or even strangers that spicy foods or hunger cause stomach ulcers. However, scientific evidence shows otherwise. Pepper does not create ulcers, though it may aggravate existing ones. Similarly, hunger does not cause ulcers, but an empty stomach can make ulcer pain more noticeable due to acid production.
What Is a Stomach Ulcer?
A stomach ulcer, or gastric ulcer, is an open sore in the stomach lining. It belongs to a group of conditions called peptic ulcers, which can also occur in the upper small intestine. Normally, the stomach is protected by a thick mucus layer that shields it from digestive acid. When that layer is damaged, acid erodes the lining, forming an ulcer.
Two Main Causes of Stomach Ulcers
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the digestive tract. Many people carry it without symptoms, but it can damage the stomach's protective lining, allowing acid to cause ulcers. Doctors diagnose H. pylori through breath, stool, blood tests, or endoscopy.
2. Long-Term Use of NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, and aspirin reduce substances that protect the stomach lining. Regular use, especially without medical supervision, increases ulcer risk. Healthcare professionals advise taking these medications cautiously or alongside stomach-protective drugs.
Other Contributing Factors
While 90–95% of peptic ulcers are due to H. pylori or NSAIDs, other less common causes include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, severe physical stress, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (rare), previous ulcer history, and older age.
Symptoms of a Stomach Ulcer
Common symptoms include a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, pain that may improve or worsen after eating, bloating, frequent burping, heartburn, feeling full quickly, and nausea. Severe cases may involve vomiting blood, black stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, requiring urgent medical attention.
Is a Stomach Ulcer Curable?
Yes. Most stomach ulcers are treatable and often completely curable when the underlying cause is identified. For H. pylori, doctors prescribe antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines. If NSAIDs are the cause, stopping or changing the medication and using acid reducers helps the stomach heal. Early treatment reduces complication risks.
What About Pepper and Hunger?
No scientific evidence links pepper or spicy foods to causing ulcers. However, if you already have an ulcer, spicy foods may irritate the sore and worsen symptoms. Skipping meals does not cause ulcers, but an empty stomach can increase acid production, making existing ulcer pain more noticeable. The ulcer was already present.
