Aproko Doctor warns of stomach ulcer risks from untreated borehole water

Nigerian health educator Chukwuma Okoro, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has issued a warning regarding the use of untreated borehole water for oral hygiene. He cautioned that rinsing the mouth with such water can expose individuals to bacteria, specifically Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is a primary cause of peptic ulcers.

Okoro explained that H. pylori can enter the stomach and destroy the protective lining, allowing stomach acid to cause damage. He noted that contamination often occurs when borehole pipes are located near soakaway pipes or when water is not properly treated.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases corroborates that H. pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are leading causes of peptic ulcers. The bacteria can be transmitted through food or water contaminated by the saliva, stool, or vomit of an infected person.