An H. pylori infection stems from the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which often infects the stomach in childhood. Typically, this infection doesn't show symptoms on its own, with many children and adults unaware of its presence. It's quite common, affecting approximately 30-40% of people in the United States.
Source: So, exactly what is H. pylori?
What is Helicobacter Pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that commonly infects the stomach, with around two-thirds of the global population affected. While it's the leading cause of peptic ulcers, many infected individuals don't experience any issues.
Causes Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- pylori bacteria are often transmitted from person to person, commonly occurring during childhood and persisting throughout life if left untreated.
The exact transmission method is not fully understood, but potential ways include:
- Direct contact through mouth-to-mouth contact.
- Illnesses affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly when vomiting occurs.
- Contact with contaminated stool (fecal material).
- Consumption of contaminated food and water.
The bacteria can lead to ulcers through the following process:
- H. pylori enters the stomach's mucus layer and adheres to the stomach lining.
- It stimulates increased production of stomach acid, which damages the stomach lining, - resulting in ulcers for some individuals.
- In addition to ulcers, H. pylori bacteria can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach (gastritis) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenitis).
In rare cases, H. pylori infection may also contribute to stomach cancer or a type of stomach lymphoma.
Symptoms Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Peptic ulcer disease develops in about 10% to 15% of individuals infected with H. pylori. While some ulcers may be small and asymptomatic, others can lead to severe bleeding.
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or burning pain in the abdomen, often worsening on an empty stomach.
- Varying degrees of pain intensity, with some individuals experiencing no pain.
- Feelings of fullness or bloating, along with difficulty drinking normal amounts of fluid.
- Hunger and a sensation of emptiness in the stomach, typically occurring 1 to 3 hours after eating.
- Mild nausea, occasionally alleviated by vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Burping.
- Presence of bloody or dark, tarry stools, or bloody vomit.
Source: The H. pylori breath test is a simple and safe test used to detect an active H. pylori infection.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection Exams and Tests
Your healthcare provider may recommend testing for H. pylori if you:
- Have a history of peptic ulcers or currently experiencing ulcers.
- Report persistent stomach discomfort or pain lasting more than a month.
Inform your provider about any medications you are taking, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can also contribute to ulcer formation.
If H. pylori infection is suspected, your provider may conduct the following tests:
- Breath Test (Urea Breath Test or Carbon Isotope-urea Breath Test, UBT): You will swallow a special substance containing urea. If H. pylori is present, it converts urea into carbon dioxide, which is then detected and measured in your exhaled breath approximately 10 minutes later.
- Blood Test: This test measures antibodies to H. pylori in your bloodstream.
- Stool Test: It detects the presence of H. pylori bacteria in a stool sample.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopy procedure, a tissue sample is taken from the stomach lining - and examined for bacterial infection.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection Treatment
To promote healing of your ulcer and reduce the risk of recurrence, your healthcare provider will prescribe medications to:
- Eliminate the H. pylori bacteria (if present).
- Lower stomach acid levels.
Follow your medication regimen as instructed, and consider making lifestyle changes to support treatment effectiveness.
If you have a peptic ulcer along with an H. pylori infection, treatment is typically recommended.
The standard treatment involves a combination of the following medications for 10 to 14 days:
- Antibiotics: These are prescribed to eradicate the H. pylori bacteria.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These medications help decrease stomach acid production.
- Bismuth: Often found in Pepto-Bismol, it may be included in the treatment regimen to aid in bacterial eradication.
Adhering to the full course of treatment for up to 14 days may be challenging, but it offers the best chance of eliminating the H. pylori bacteria and preventing future ulcers.
When to See Medical Help
If you experience sudden and severe symptoms, it could indicate a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Look out for:
- Tarry, black, or bloody stools.
- Severe vomiting, especially if it contains blood or resembles coffee grounds (indicating a significant hemorrhage) or if it includes the entire stomach contents (suggesting intestinal obstruction).
- Severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, or signs of internal bleeding.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care without delay.
