Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori): What Everyone Should Know

There are medical terms that are part of our everyday household vocabulary.  For example, diabetes, heartburn,
thyroid, etc.  H. pylori is more common than you may know.  Awareness needs to be geared toward this medical condition to help prevent devastating complications and even death.

H. pylori is the bacteria responsible for infecting the stomach or the small intestines causing ulcers and damage to the lining of the stomach and even stomach cancer.  Some people that are infected with H. pylori may not have any symptoms at all, but they include:

-Aching, burning sensation in the abdomen
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-frequent burping or belching
-Bloating
-Weight Loss

A person should seek the advice of a physician if experiencing any of the symptoms.  This medical condition becomes an emergency situation if you notice:

-Bloody or Black tarry stools with foul odor
-Bloody or Black vomit that resembles coffee grounds
-Problems Swallowing
-Abdominal Pain

H. pylori can be spread through untreated water, saliva, or feces.  The stomach usually has enzymes and acids that can attack many bacteria that it is exposed to, but the H. pylori can survive in the stomach.  Usually, H. pylori is contracted during childhood.
Complications associated with H. pylori include, open sores/ulcers in the stomach that can cause bleeding ulcers.  If the bleeding is not stopped, blood loss can become life threatening.  There are medications called H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors that are the only types of medications that are effective in reducing acid levels in the stomach.  The physician usually will prescribe antibiotics to treat the H. pylori infection.

There are tests that will confirm the diagnosis.  Endoscope is used to visualize the stomach lining and a biopsy is taken and sent to the lab for evaluation.  Also, blood test may be used.  Other tests used include:  breath test, stool test.  During the endoscopy exam if a bleeding ulcer is identified it is cauterized.  Be aware of these symptoms and seek treatment early to prevent further complications.