Burning Stomach Pain in Lagos?
Most Ulcers Are Cured in 2 Weeks.

Stomach Ulcers in Lagos — Causes and Cure

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is caused by damage to the protective mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum. The two main causes are: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria — responsible for approximately 70% of gastric ulcers and 90% of duodenal ulcers — and regular NSAID use (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin), which inhibit the protective prostaglandins that maintain the mucosal barrier.

H. pylori — the most important and most treatable cause

H. pylori is an extremely common bacterial infection — affecting approximately 70% of Nigerians. Most infected people never develop ulcers, but in susceptible individuals, the bacteria damages the gastric lining, leading to inflammation and ulceration. The good news: H. pylori is completely eradicated with a standard triple therapy regimen — a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) plus two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) for 7–14 days. Eradication is confirmed by a follow-up test.

Testing for H. pylori at Mascot Healthcare

We offer the H. pylori stool antigen test — a non-invasive, highly accurate test that detects H. pylori proteins in a stool sample. Results are available within 24–48 hours. Urea breath tests (another non-invasive method) can also be arranged. Endoscopy (camera examination of the stomach) is reserved for patients with alarm features (unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, anaemia, or age over 45 with new symptoms).

Alarm features that warrant urgent gastroenterology referral

Vomiting blood (haematemesis), black tarry stools (melaena — digested blood from a bleeding ulcer), significant unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent symptoms despite treatment. These indicate possible complications (bleeding ulcer, perforation) or the need to exclude gastric cancer.