Ulcers are a common condition that affect millions of people worldwide. They can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort if left untreated. However, for patients with ulcers who need medical attention, fasting adds another layer of complexity to their treatment. Ulcer patients must undergo medical check-ups while fasting to ensure accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will explore the importance of medical check-ups while fasting for ulcer patients, and the precautions that healthcare professionals must take to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients.
Peptic ulcer disease is a common medical condition among people in Pakistan. It is a disease where open sores or ulcers are formed in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection that eats away the protective lining of the digestive system. People who take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin have a greater risk of developing ulcers.
The month of Ramazan is an important religious month for Muslims worldwide. It is also a period of fasting where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking for a specific period. However, for ulcer patients, fasting during this period may cause complications, such as recurrence of the disease and ulcer bleeding, particularly after the 20th day of Ramazan. Health experts advise that patients with peptic ulcers must undergo complete medical check-ups at least once before and once during Ramadan.
Experts state that ulcers patients may face life-threatening complications if they do not take extra care in diet and medication during the month of Ramazan. Medical check-ups are necessary for the diagnosis of ulcer complications. It is observed that patients with severe ulcer who fast for more than 12 hours a day may face serious complications. However, with proper medication and a well-planned diet, the risks of complications can be minimized. Patients must follow their physician’s recommendations to avoid complications completely.
CPSP’s Senior Vice President, Professor Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Shafi, conducted research on complications of ulcers during fasting. He found patients with severe ulcers who fast without taking effective medication face complications like bleeding, pyloric obstruction, or perforation of the ulcer. The research revealed that in most severe cases of ulcers, complications occur after two to three weeks of fasting. The chance of bleeding in a smoker patient of ulcers during Ramadan is 100 times greater than that of a non-smoker. Prof. Shafi advised all patients having complaints of ulcers to completely avoid smoking during Ramadan, instead use plenty of fruits and lemon when fasting.
Studies reveal that stomach ulcers affect the nerves surrounding it, causing a great amount of pain. In a good number of fasting patients, stomach ulcers can cause hemorrhages from the erosion of a major blood vessel. A tear in the wall of the stomach or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is possible due to spasm or swelling in the area of the ulcer.
Despite the challenges faced by ulcer patients during the period of fasting, Prof. Shafi believes the effects of fasting on an ulcer patient can be minimized using modern and latest medicines available in the markets. He stated that ulcer patients should take extra care in diet, limit intake of oily and spicy foods at the time of ‘Sehar’ and ‘Iftar’.
In conclusion, ulcer patients must take extra care during the period of fasting and consult their physicians to avoid complications. The month of Ramazan is a significant period for Muslims, and patients with underlying medical conditions such as ulcers must follow their physician’s recommendations to avoid life-threatening complications. Modern medicines are effective, and a well-planned diet can minimize the risks of complications during the period of fasting.
