Halima B., 19

Halima Bello is a 19-year-old girl living with her parents and 4 younger siblings in a small one-bedroom home in Gwange. She braids and styles hair for people in the neighborhood to earn income and help her parents provide for the household. In addition to her work, she spends much of her time cooking and doing chores to keep the home running smoothly. Though she has never had the opportunity to attend formal school, Halima is determined to keep learning and attends Islamiyya classes in the evening, where she studies the Qur’an and Islamic teachings. One morning, Halima Bello woke up with a sharp pain just above her stomach. She thought it would go away, but the discomfort grew worse each day. Along with the pain came a running nose and a deep ache in her belly that made it hard for her to work or do chores. Though she tried to push through and continue braiding hair and helping at home, her strength began to fade. She stopped attending her evening Islamiyya classes and could no longer hide how sick she felt. On presentation at our hospital, Halima was evaluated and diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) and Enteritis, and Acute Respiratory Tract Infection.

Halima Bello was brought to the hospital on 17/06/2025 with complaints of persistent abdominal pain, discomfort, and associated symptoms affecting her daily activities. Following detailed clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and an abdominal scan, she was diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) and Abdominal Pain. She was promptly commenced on appropriate medical management. Treatment included Omeprazole (oral and intravenous) to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote ulcer healing, Flagyl to address possible gastrointestinal infection, Gestid suspension to relieve gastric irritation and pain, and Amoxil to manage suspected bacterial involvement. Injectable medications, including intravenous Omeprazole and Ceftriaxone, were administered at presentation to stabilize her condition. Laboratory investigations such as H. pylori test and Widal test, as well as an abdominal scan, were carried out to confirm diagnosis and guide effective treatment. Halima responded positively to treatment, with gradual relief of abdominal pain, improved appetite, and overall clinical stability. She was closely monitored throughout her care and showed steady improvement. On follow-up assessment, her symptoms had resolved significantly, and she was discharged in good health with medical advice and medications. The parents of Halima Bello sincerely express their heartfelt gratitude to Helpster Charity for their generosity and compassion in paying all medical bills. This kind support removed the financial burden on the family and ensured that Halima received timely and comprehensive medical care. The parents deeply appreciate Helpster Charity for their humanitarian assistance, which played a vital role in her successful treatment and recovery.

With timely diagnosis and appropriate management, the prognosis for both Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) and non-specific abdominal pain is generally favorable. Most individuals respond well to standard medical therapy, including acid suppression, antimicrobial treatment when indicated, and lifestyle modifications such as dietary adjustments and stress reduction. Healing of uncomplicated peptic ulcers is expected within weeks, particularly when causative factors like Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use are addressed. However, delayed treatment or non-compliance may lead to complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or chronic pain, which can significantly impact quality of life. Therefore, early intervention, patient education, and follow-up are critical to ensure full recovery and prevent recurrence.