THE ULCER EPIDEMIC

From stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and excessive use of painkillers, to diabetic foot ulcers resulting from uncontrolled diabetes, these conditions often go unnoticed until they become severe. Recent reports from Kenyan hospitals highlight a worrying increase in ulcer-related cases, with many patients unaware of the risks and warning signs. 

According to statistics, peptic or gastric ulcers, accounted for around 1,089 deaths  which is 0.41% of all deaths in 2020.A meta-analysis revealed a peptic ulcer disease prevalence of 12% in Kenya, especially in Nairobi and Nakuru counties from 2011–2013. 

For instance at Nairobi's Mbagathi Hospital, 46.2% of peptic ulcer patients tested positive for H. pylori. For diabetic foot ulcers, 4.6% of diabetic patients at Kenyatta National Hospital were affected.

Risk factors in Kenya include contaminated water, smoking, stress, alcohol, family history, and long fasting. H. pylori infects 50% of people globally, with 10–20% of carriers developing ulcers. Infection often occurs in childhood due to poor sanitation.

Diabetic foot ulcers is caused by nerve damage, poor blood circulation, high blood sugar, hypertension, and infections. 

It can be managed though stabilizing blood sugar, treating infection, debriding necrotic tissue, and use protective footwear. 

The Prevention of this ulcer focuses on early screening, hygiene, and regular podiatry visits.

Venous ulcers is develop from chronic venous insufficiency leg veins that fail to return blood effectively. It can be treated through compression therapy, leg elevation, exercise, and vascular evaluation.

Peptic Ulcers is diagnostic to antibody tests and endoscopy. Peptic ulcers can be treated through triple therapy and adjust for antibiotic resistance.

H. pylori can be reduced through water quality improvement, sanitation, and hygiene, avoid unnecessary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use alternatives like paracetamol. 

You need to stop smoking, reduce alcohol, eat regularly and manage stress. Also, ensure you go for medical check-ups  early   for H. pylori and diabetic foot issue as mentioned by Kingsley, one of the victims ,“The Doctor even told me most people have Pylori and they don’t know … Always do occasional tests in the hospital.”  

The government should boost public health education about ulcers, symptoms, and complications to ensure access to diagnostics, subsidize H. pylori testing and endoscopy in both urban and rural areas as well as regulating medications to prevent overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic misuse. It should also invest in sanitation infrastructure to provide clean water and integrate ulcer checks into existing health programs like diabetes clinics and support research on regional antibiotic resistance and disease trends.

Ulcers may seem minor at first, but they can escalate into life-threatening issues like bleeding, perforation, or limb amputation. Therefore, Individuals should schedule regular check-ups, especially if they have risk factors. Health providers must advocate early testing and sound treatment protocols and the government leadership can drive systemic improvements that save lives.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and treat ulcer concerns with the seriousness they deserve. It may be the difference between recovery and serious complications. Hence a healthy outside starts from inside.