Nigerian doctor and health educator, Chukwuma Okoro, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has raised concerns about the risks associated with using untreated borehole water to rinse the mouth. In a video shared on X, he warned that this practice could expose people to bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Aproko Doctor emphasized the importance of checking the source and safety of water used for oral hygiene, particularly for borehole water. He noted that untreated water may contain bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori.
According to Aproko Doctor, H. pylori is a common cause of peptic ulcers, which can lead to stomach ulcers. He explained that this bacteria can destroy the protective layer of the stomach, allowing acid to cause damage and lead to ulcers. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases confirms that H. pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the most common causes of peptic ulcers. The institute also notes that H. pylori may spread through contaminated food or water.
Aproko Doctor highlighted the risks of contamination in water sources, particularly where pipes carrying borehole water are close to pipes connected to a soakaway. He warned that bacteria can jump from the soakaway pipe into the borehole pipe, contaminating the water. He advised people who are unsure about the source and safety of their water to treat it before use. This can be done by boiling, filtering, or adding chemical disinfectants to remove bacteria.
The World Health Organisation notes that microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit several diseases, while faecal contamination poses a major risk to drinking-water safety. Its background document on H. pylori also suggests that faecal-oral transmission is possible, although the primary transmission routes are believed to be vomit-oral and gastro-oral. Aproko Doctor's warning emphasizes the need for individuals to be mindful of their water source and take steps to ensure its safety.
In addition to contaminated water, Aproko Doctor identified frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac, as other factors associated with ulcers. He also noted that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to stomach ulcers. Medical guidance confirms that NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are common causes of peptic ulcers, while smoking can interfere with ulcer healing.
Aproko Doctor recommended an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as a diagnostic tool to examine the stomach and identify ulcers. However, medical guidance notes that doctors can use several methods to diagnose H. pylori infection and peptic ulcers, including breath tests, stool tests, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. He also warned people not to ignore black or tarry stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
The Nigerian doctor urged people experiencing persistent stomach pain to seek medical attention and pay attention to the source and treatment of their water. He emphasized the importance of being mindful of water safety to prevent the risk of stomach ulcers. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises people experiencing symptoms such as black or tarry stool to seek medical attention promptly.
Key points
- - Using untreated borehole water to rinse the mouth poses health risks due to the presence of bacteria such as H. pylori. - H. pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common causes of peptic ulcers. - Individuals should take steps to ensure the safety of their water source, such as boiling, filtering, or adding chemical disinfectants.
