Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) occurs when H. The bacteria H. pylori infects your stomach. This is most common during childhood. H. pylori is a common cause of stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers). H. pylori may infect more than half of the world’s population.
Most people are unaware that they have H. pylori infection because they are never ill from it. If you develop peptic ulcer symptoms, your doctor will almost certainly test you for H. H. Infection with Helicobacter Pylori A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or the first portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
Symptoms
Most people who have H. pylori infection have no signs or symptoms. It is unknown why so many people are asymptomatic. Some people, however, may be born with a higher resistance to the harmful effects of H. pylori.
When H. pylori infection causes signs or symptoms, they are usually related to gastritis or a peptic ulcer and may include:
• A stomach ache or a burning sensation (abdomen)
• Stomach ache that may be exacerbated when your stomach is empty
• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• Burping frequently
• Bloating
• Weight loss that was unintentional
Causes
Infection with H. pylori occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. H. pylori bacteria are typically transmitted from person to person via direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool. H. pylori can also be transmitted through tainted food or water. The precise mechanism by which the H. pylori bacteria causes gastritis or peptic ulcers in some people is unknown.
Risk elements
Infection with H. pylori is common in children. Risk factors for H. Infections caused by H. pylori are linked to childhood living conditions such as:
• Living in a crowded environment. Living in a house with a lot of other people can increase your chances of getting H. pylori.
• Living without a consistent supply of safe drinking water. A steady supply of clean, running water reduces the risk of H. pylori.
• Being a resident of a developing country. People living in developing countries are more likely to be infected with H. pylori. This could be due to the fact that crowded and unsanitary living conditions are more common in developing countries.
• Living with someone infected with H. pylori. If you live with someone who has H. pylori infection, you are more likely to have it as well.
Ulcers Open pop-up dialogue box
The following complications are associated with H. pylori infection:
Ulcers. H. pylori can cause damage to the stomach and small intestine linings. This can result in an open sore caused by stomach acid (ulcer). Approximately 10% of people infected with H. pylori will develop an ulcer.
The stomach lining is inflamed. H. pylori infection can cause stomach irritation and swelling.
Cancer of the stomach Infection with H. pylori is a significant risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
Prevention
Healthy people are sometimes tested for H pylori by health care providers. in areas where H. pylori infection and its complications are common. Experts disagree on whether testing for H. pylori infection is beneficial when there are no signs or symptoms of infection.
Diagnosis
To determine whether you have H. pylori infection, several tests and procedures are used. Helicobacter pylori detection requires testing (H. pylori). It is critical to repeat testing after treatment to ensure that H. pylori has been eradicated. A stool sample, a breath test, and an upper endoscopy exam may be used to conduct tests.
Stool examinations
Stool antigen analysis. This is the most commonly used stool test for H. pylori detection. In the stool, the test looks for proteins (antigens) associated with H. pylori infection.
PCR test on feces can be detected using a stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. H .pylori infection in the stool. The test can also detect mutations that make H. pylori resistant to antibiotics. This test, however, is more expensive than a stool antigen test and may not be available at all medical facilities.
Treatment
In most cases, H At least two different antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori infections at the same time.. This helps to prevent bacteria from developing resistance to a specific antibiotic.
Treatment may also include medications to aid in the healing of your stomach, such as:
Inhibitors of the proton pump (PPIs). These medications prevent the production of stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole are examples of PPIs (Protonix).
Subsalicylate of bismuth This medication, also known by the brand name Pepto-Bismol, works by coating the ulcer and protecting it from stomach acid.
H-2 histamine blockers These medications inhibit the production of acid by blocking histamine. Cimetidine is one such example (Tagamet HB). H-2 blockers are only used to treat H. pylori infection when PPIs are ineffective.