CONDITION
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a bacterial infection that causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and gastric cancer. It affects nearly half of the world’s population and can lead to serious complications, including stomach cancer.
Although most H. pylori infections are asymptomatic, people with infection should be screened for PUD because treatment can prevent ulcers from developing or getting worse.
Causes of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
An estimated two-thirds of people worldwide carry H. pylori.
H. pylori is the most common bacterial infection in humans, with an estimated two-thirds of people worldwide carrying the bacterium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 50% of people under age 40 will have been infected with H. pylori by the time they reach middle age, while 80% of older adults are likely to have had it at some point in their lives.
It has been found in all regions of the world and affects all races, ethnic groups and socioeconomic classes.
H. pylori bacteria is usually spread from person to person and also likely through:
- Dirty food, water, or utensils
- Mouth to mouth (kissing)
- Contaminated poop or vomit
Risk Factors for Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Risk factors for infection with H. pylori include:
- Living in an underdeveloped or developing country
- Living in crowded conditions
- Being very young or very old
- Having a low socioeconomic status
- Not having access to clean water
- Having family members who are infected with H. pylori.
Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Watch for these Symptoms
Common symptoms of H. pylori infection include abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.
If you have H. pylori infection, you may experience nausea and vomiting. In addition, abdominal pain can occur when your stomach is empty or full. Some people with H. pylori infection do not experience any symptoms at all until complications arise from their condition.
The symptoms of H. pylori infection may be mistaken for other illnesses or conditions that are caused by other factors such as gastritis or ulcers (ulcerative colitis).
Other symptoms include:
- Mild nausea that may go away with vomiting
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a meal
- Feeling of fullness or bloating and problems drinking as much fluid as usual
- Vomiting blood
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody or dark, tarry stools
- Burping
Complications of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis, or inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The bacteria can also cause other conditions such as gastric cancer. A long-term (chronic) infection with H. pylori may lead to:
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma
- Stomach cancer
- Gastric and upper intestine ulcers
- Severe blood loss
Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
The standard treatment for H. pylori includes antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors or other acid reducers taken for one to two weeks. These medications are meant to be used together to ensure bacteria are successfully eradicated. Treatment may varies depending on the country’s bacteria antibiotic resistance profile.
Studies show that if H. pylori is eradicated from the stomachs of people with duodenal ulcers, their rates of relapse are lower than those of people whose condition is treated using acid-reducing drugs alone.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection Prevention
There are several ways that you can protect yourself from contracting an H. pylori infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after you use the bathroom and before you prepare or eat food.
- Avoid eat food that is not cooked thoroughly.
- Avoid eating food or drinking water that is not clean.
- Avoid food served by people who have not washed their hands.
Conclusion
The presence of H. pylori may predispose people to peptic ulcer disease and even gastric cancer.
It is important for those with recurrent gastric pain to check their helicobacter pylori status and eradicate it if positive. Speak to our specialist to find out more how to get yourself tested for Helicobacter pylori infection.
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