Dr. Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rock Foundation Hospital in Awka, Anambra State, has cautioned against the abuse and excessive intake of pain relievers, also known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Njelita gave the advice in an interview with journalists on Monday in Awka, stressing the need to curb the rising incidence of peptic ulcer disease.
He described an ulcer as “the erosion of the inner surface of the stomach or the upper part of the intestine caused by an imbalance in acid secretion.”
“This erosion is mainly caused by excessive acid production in the stomach. While acid is essential for protein digestion, it must not be in excess,” he explained.
The medical expert noted that misuse of NSAIDs — commonly used for pain and arthritis — could worsen ulcers by damaging the stomach’s protective mucosal lining and increasing acid secretion.
“Ulcer is primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that breaks down the mucosal lining of the stomach,” he said.
“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin, and ibuprofen can relieve pain but may also trigger chemical reactions that cause more acid secretion and mucosal damage.
“When people with arthritis take these drugs in high doses or without medical supervision, they risk developing peptic ulcers. That’s why doctors assess patients carefully before prescribing such medications,” Njelita explained.
He listed symptoms of peptic ulcer to include abdominal pain in the upper region, back pain, and in severe cases, bleeding that could lead to melena — dark, tarry stools.
He dismissed the common belief that hunger directly causes ulcers, describing it as speculative and unscientific.
According to him, the best way to manage ulcers is through a combination of antibiotics that target Helicobacter pylori and medications that reduce acid secretion.
“A combination of these drugs for two to three weeks can effectively control and heal ulcers,” he added.
