Perforated peptic ulcer disease in chronic nsaid use: case of a patient with long-standing dental infection

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) account for the largest group of over-the-counter medicines used for self-medication, as dental infections account for one of the common symptoms that leads to self-medication in Africa. We report and discuss a patient who presented to our facility on account of perforated peptic ulcer disease and concomitant bilateral submandibular and submental abscesses from a chronic tooth infection. Medical history revealed long-standing use of NSAIDS as self-medication for the toothache.
With the known role of NSAIDS in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease, the public should be educated on its potential complications and should NSAIDS be overly relied on rather than seeking appropriate oral care.