A health condition in which a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects the stomach is called H. pylori infection. In most cases, this infection happens during childhood and it is a common cause of stomach ulcers. Moreover, this bacteria can be present in more than half of the people around the world.
Although many people have this bacteria, they do not know about it because any symptoms and signs are missing. Doctors may perform tests for H. pylori infection if you experience a peptic ulcer. This is a sore that appears on the stomach lining (gastric ulcer) or at the beginning of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
Treatment for people with this infection usually includes antibiotics.
Symptoms
Experts do not completely understand why but some people with this bacteria will never develop symptoms while others may experience the following ones. They think some people are born with an increased resistance to the effects caused by H. pylori. Check below some symptoms caused by this infection:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unusual weight loss
- Stomach pain (that usually worsens when the stomach is empty)
- Burning pain in the stomach
It is advised to seek medical care right away if you experience the following symptoms. For example:
- Bloody or black stools or vomit (sometimes it looks like coffee grounds)
- Severe abdominal pain that may prevent you from sleep
Causes
This infection occurs when the bacteria called H. pylori infects the stomach. This bacteria usually travels among people through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool. It also can spread through contaminated food or water. However, how this bacteria causes gastric or peptic ulcers sometimes is still not known.
Risk Factors
In most cases, this bacteria affects people during childhood. Check below some factors that may elevate the risk of getting this infection:
- Those who live in crowded conditions have an increased risk of getting this bacteria.
- People who live without clean water also can get this bacteria from contaminated water.
- A developing country – Those who live in a developing country have elevated risks of getting H. pylori due to unsanitary living conditions and other factors present in such countries.
- You are more prone to develop this infection if you are in close contact with an infected person.
Complications
- Ulcers – This bacteria can cause damage to the protective lining of the stomach and small intestine. As a result, the stomach acid can form an open sore (ulcer). Approximately 10% of people with H. pylori infection have ulcers.
- Stomach lining inflammation – People infected with this bacteria negatively affect the stomach and can cause irritation and swelling (gastritis).
- Stomach cancer – This bacteria increases significantly the risk of developing certain stomach cancers.
How to Prevent H. pylori Infection?
In regions with an increased risk of H. pylori infection and its possible complications, doctors will test you for this bacteria more frequently compared to other countries. Discuss with your doctor to know how often you should get tested for H. pylori in the region where you live.
If you suspect you have this bacteria, immediately contact your doctor. Moreover, early diagnosis and treatment can help to lessen the symptoms and prevent future complications including stomach cancer.
Diagnosis
There are different tests and procedures available to identify this bacteria. Moreover, after treatment, it is also important to get tested to ensure you no longer have H. pylori. The tests and procedures involved in the H. pylori infection diagnosis include a stool sample, breath tests, upper endoscopy examinations, and others.
Stool Tests
- Stool antigen test – This is one of the most common tests used to identify if a person has this bacteria or not. Doctors perform it to look for certain proteins (antigens) linked with the infection.
- Stool PCR test – This is a laboratory test used to check for mutations that may be resistant to antibiotics used to treat this infection. In any case, it is a more expensive test compared to a stool antigen test and it is usually not available in all medical centers.
Breath Test
This test is also known as a urea breath test which involves swallowing a pill, liquid, or pudding that has tagged carbon molecules. Thereafter, carbon is released when this substance comes in contact with H. pylori in the stomach.
The amount of carbon released by the body is measured using a special device. This test can be used in adults and children over 6 years old.
Scope Test
During this test doctors investigate symptoms caused by some conditions including gastritis or a peptic ulcer due to H. pylori. A scope test is also known as an upper endoscopy examination. Before this examination, doctors may give you some medicines to relax. Upper endoscopy involves a long and flexible tube with a small camera (endoscope) on the end. It helps to see inside the esophagus, stomach, and in the duodenum (beginning of the small intestine).
In addition, during this test, doctors may remove a small sample of tissue and send it to the laboratory to be checked for H. pylori. This procedure is called biopsy. Scope test is also effective in determining other digestive diseases and the exact antibiotic you need to destroy H. pylori.
Sometimes, it is not possible to perform previous tests to determine if the symptoms are caused due to H. pylori infection or other digestive conditions. Certain medications and antibiotics may interact with the accuracy of the tests. These include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), bismuth subsalicylate, histamine (H-2) blockers, and others. It is advised to perform tests for H. pylori after 1 month if you have stopped using antibiotics and medicines listed previously.
Treatment
In most cases, doctors prescribe two different antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection. It helps to prevent resistance to medicine that bacteria usually can develop. Check below some medicines that doctors usually recommend for people with H. pylori infection:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – This group of medicines reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These include Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, and Omeprazole.
- Bismuth subsalicylate – This is a special medication used to protect ulcers from stomach acid.
- Histamine (H-2) blockers – These medicines (such as Cimetidine) help to block a substance (Histamine) that triggers stomach acid production. H-2 blockers are usually recommended by doctors when PPIs cannot be used.
In addition, it is advised to do tests for H. pylori repeatedly to ensure you do not have this bacteria anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to cure H. pylori infection?
Most people recover completely within 2 weeks of antibiotic use. Sometimes, the bacteria may develop resistance to medicine and the treatment may last longer. For more details, talk with your doctor.
What happens if H. pylori infection is not treated?
Over time people with untreated H. pylori infection can experience some complications. These include swelling, severe pain, and even cancer of the stomach. If you suspect you have this condition, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
How does H. pylori spread to other people?
This bacteria can spread from one person to another through different ways. These include saliva, plaque, teeth, and poop. Moreover, it is recommended to avoid close contact with an infected person because it also puts you at risk of getting this bacteria. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
