Hadiza A., 19

Hadiza Abdulrahman is a 20 year old girl living with her parents and 5 siblings in the Gwange area, one of the densely populated parts of Maiduguri. As the first child of the family, she carries the responsibility of looking after everyone at home. Hadiza began to feel unwell after complaining of fever, body pain, and persistent epigastric pain that left her weak and unable to carry out her daily activities. Because of her family’s poor condition, she could not afford to treat herself or seek proper medical care. Her health worsened with each passing day until a kind neighbor, who had once been saved by Helpster, told her about the organization. Upon presentation at our hospital, and after further evaluation, she was diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease and Enteric fever.

Hadiza was treated with Amoxicillin 500mg tds for 1 week, Omeprazole 20mg bd for 7 days, Metronidazole 500mg bd for 1 week, Gestid suspension 10mls tds for 5 days, and Paracetamol 500mg tds for 3 days. She also received intravenous Ceftriaxone 1gm daily for 3 days. This treatment relieved her abdominal pain, resolved her fever, restored her appetite, and led to a steady recovery.

Hadiza's prognosis is positive given the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease with enteric fever and the initiation of appropriate treatment. Recovery is usually achieved with a combination of antibiotics, ulcer-healing medications, and dietary adjustments. Without timely or adequate therapy, however, there is a risk of complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or severe systemic infection, which may adversely affect the outcome.