What Is Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
Helicobacter pylori infection, often referred to as H. pylori, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. It is one of the most widespread bacterial infections in the world, with many people being carriers without even knowing it. If left untreated, H. pylori can lead to stomach lining inflammation, which may cause ulcers or more severe complications such as stomach cancer.
How is Helicobacter Pylori Infection Acquired?
Helicobacter pylori is usually transmitted through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. Once the bacteria enter the body, they can survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and attach themselves to the stomach lining, leading to an infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
The symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection can vary among individuals, and some may not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they commonly include:
- Abdominal Pain – Persistent or recurring pain in the upper abdomen is one of the most typical symptoms. The pain may be described as a dull ache, burning sensation, or gnawing discomfort.
- Bloating and Fullness – Individuals with H. pylori infection may experience bloating, excessive gas, and a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts of food.
- Nausea and Vomiting – Some people with the infection may feel nauseous or experience episodes of vomiting.
- Unintended Weight Loss – In some cases, H. pylori infection can lead to unintended weight loss, which can be concerning if not attributed to any other apparent cause.
- Loss of Appetite – A decrease in appetite and a reduced interest in food may occur due to the discomfort caused by the infection.
- Burping – Frequent burping or belching can be a symptom of H. pylori infection, as it can cause excess gas in the digestive system.
How Is Helicobacter Pylori Infection Diagnose
Helicobacter pylori infection can be diagnosed through various methods. Common diagnostic tests include breath, stool, blood, and endoscopy tests. The breath, stool and blood tests are non-invasive tests that detect antigens or antibody produced by the bacteria or the body in response to the Helicobacter pylori. Endoscopy involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach lining directly.
What Are the Complications of Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
If left untreated Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to several complications affecting the digestive system and overall health. Some of the common complications include:
- Peptic Ulcers – H. pylori infection is a significant cause of peptic ulcers, open sores that develop on the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). These ulcers can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. In severe cases these ulcers can result in bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestine.
- Internal Bleeding – Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection can result in internal bleeding. If the bleeding is mild, it may go unnoticed, but severe bleeding can lead to symptoms like black or tarry stools, vomiting blood (hematemesis), and anaemia (low red blood cell count).
- Gastric Cancer – While the majority of H. pylori infections do not lead to cancer, long-term infection with certain strains of the bacteria can increase the risk of developing stomach (gastric) cancer. It’s important to note that most H. pylori infections do not progress to cancer. Still, the presence of the bacteria can contribute to the development of gastric cancer in some individuals.
- MALT Lymphoma – MALT (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can develop in the stomach as a complication of H. pylori infection. This type of cancer affects the lymphatic tissue of the stomach lining.
- Gastritis – H. pylori infection is a common cause of chronic gastritis and stomach lining inflammation. Chronic gastritis can lead to discomfort and may interfere with the normal functioning of the digestive system.
Can Helicobacter Pylori Infection be Prevented?
While it is challenging to prevent Helicobacter pylori infection entirely, there are steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of transmission. These include maintaining proper hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, consuming clean and safe food and water, and avoiding close contact with individuals who have known H. pylori infection.
However, the infection may not cause symptoms in many cases, making it difficult to know if someone carries the bacteria.
What Are the Medications for Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
The treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection typically involves a combination of medications consisting of at least two antibiotics plus an acid suppressant such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The antibiotics kill the bacteria, while the PPI helps reduce stomach acid, allowing the antibiotics to be more effective. The treatment duration is usually around two weeks but may vary based on individual factors.
