Essential information about Helicobacter pylori infection

It is still not known exactly how the infections are spreading with. Bacteria have coexisted with humans for thousands of years. It is thought that infections are transmitted from one mouth to the other. They can also be transferred from faeces and contact with water or contaminated food. It is believed that bacteria cause problems in the stomach when penetrating the lining of the stomach and generating substances that neutralize gastric acids. This makes stomach cells more vulnerable to severe acids.

Stomach acid and H. pylori together irritate stomach mucosa and can cause ulceration in the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Most people with H. pylori do not show symptoms. When infection causes an ulcer, the symptoms may include, especially when the stomach is empty at night or a few hours after meals.

Pain is often described as a hunger pain. Food or antacids can relieve this pain. If you experience this type of pain or a strong pain that does not seem to disappear, you should visit a doctor. Other symptoms may be associated with H infection. pylori including: • excessive • feeling of nausea • stomach burns • lack of appetite • unexplained weight loss.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have: • Swallowing problems • • Blood in the stool. However, these are common symptoms that could be caused by other conditions. If any of these symptoms persist or worry, it is always best to call a doctor. If you notice blood or a black color in faeces or vomiting, you should contact your doctor. Children are more likely to develop an H-infection.

pylori due to lack of adequate hygiene. The risk of infection depends in part on the environment and on the living conditions. The risk is higher if: • you live with people who are infected with H. • You live in overcrowded homes • You do not have access to hot water. It is demonstrated that peptic ulcers are caused by this type of bacteria, more often than by or by the consumption of acidic foods.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10% of people infected with H. pylori develops a peptic ulcer. Long-term use (NSAID) increases the risk of a peptic ulcer. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history. Make sure you mention any medications you take, including vitamins or supplements.

Your doctor may perform various tests to confirm the diagnosis: Physical Examination During a physical examination, your doctor will examine your stomach to check for signs of bloating, tenderness or pain. He will also listen to the sounds of the abdomen. Blood Test You may need to have blood samples that will be used to detect the presence of antibodies against H. pylori. Seat test It may be necessary to have a seat test to check the H signs.

pylori in faeces. This, along with breath tests, will usually require you to stop taking medication before the test. Breathing test In a breath test, you will swallow a preparation containing urea. If bacteria H are present. pylori, they will release an enzyme that decomposes and releases carbon dioxide detected by a special device.

Endoscopy In an endoscopy, the doctor inserts a long and thin instrument called the mouth into the stomach and duodenum. An attached camera will send images to a monitor. Any abnormal area will be inspected. If necessary, samples will be taken from these areas. Infection with H.

pylori can lead to, but infection or ulcer itself can lead to more serious complications. These include: • internal bleeding • obstruction of the stomach • perforation of the stomach • peritonitis, which is an infection of the abdominal cavity mucosa. Studies show that infected people are at increased risk of developing a. Although infection is a major cause of stomach cancer, most people infected with H. pylori never develop gastric cancer.

If you have an infection with H. pylori that will not cause any problems and you do not have an increased risk of stomach cancer, treatment may not provide benefits. Your doctor may recommend treatment if you have stomach problems in your family. Medicines Normally, you should take a combination of two together with another medicine that will reduce stomach acidity. Decreasing stomach acid helps antibiotics work more efficiently.

This treatment is sometimes called triple therapy. Treatment may vary depending on previous medical history. In most cases, only one antibiotic treatment is required to remove the infection. Lifestyle and diet There is no evidence that nutrition plays a role in preventing or provoking peptic ulcer disease in H-infected individuals. pylori.

However, alcohol and smoking can aggravate a peptic ulcer and prevent proper healing. What can you expect in the long run? For many people infected with H. pylori, infections never cause any difficulty. If you have symptoms and receive treatment, the long-term perspective is generally positive. After at least four weeks after treatment is finished, the doctor will check its effectiveness.

If you develop illnesses associated with an H infection. pylori, care will depend on the disease, how quickly it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. You may need more than one treatment to eliminate H-bacteria. pylori. If the infection is still present after a treatment, peptic ulcers may be reinstated or, more rarely, gastric cancer may develop.

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