Factors related to upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in Africans.

The aetiological factors in 84 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal tract(UGIT) haemorrhage were studied. Sixty of the patients (71.4%) were between their 3rd and 5th decades of life. Acute alcohol consumption and drugs are the commonest single or combined factors in 76 patients (90.5%). Twenty-four patients (28.6%) had previous episodes of UGIT haemorrhage. Antacids, (which are cheaper and preferred by most of the patients), are found to be as effective as H2-blockers. The need to educate the young adults on the dangers of alcohol, nicotine and indiscriminate use of drugs is stressed.