Helicobacter Pylori Infection
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about stomach bacteria.
What is Helicobacter Pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives and multiplies in the lining of the stomach wall. It can cause inflammation in the stomach lining and increase acid secretion, which might lead to stomach ulcers and certain types of stomach cancer. An infected person remains so until they receive appropriate treatment.
- What are the symptomsof Helicobacter Pylori infection?.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Belching.
- Abdominal pain and bloating.
- A burning sensation in the stomach.
Loss of appetite.
What causes Helicobacter Pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori can spread to humans through contact with an infected person’s saliva or feces or by sharing food, water, and unclean utensils.
How is Helicobacter Pylori diagnosed?:
- The doctor takes the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical examination. Additional procedures may be required, such as:
- A breath test after consuming a capsule or solution containinglabeled carbon molecules, followed by blowing into a balloon.
- Laboratory test:stool sample.
- Blood test (less accurate than the tests mentioned above).
Endoscopy to obtain a sample from the stomach lining.
How is Helicobacter Pylori treated?
Treatment involves several procedures, or as dictated by necessity, which may include:
Antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.
- What are the prevention methods for Helicobacter Pylori?
- Washing hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.
- Avoiding unclean food or water.
- Avoid sharing utensils during eating and drinking.
- Eating well-cooked food (especially when traveling).
Ensuring the thorough washing of fruits and vegetables.
- Complications of Helicobacter Pylori infection?
- Inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Internal bleeding.
Stomach cancer.
When should you see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if most symptoms indicating Helicobacter Pylori infection are present, or if there is no response to stomach medications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Helicobacter Pylori contagious?
Yes, Helicobacter Pylori is considered a contagious disease, as it is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s saliva, feces, or by sharing food, water, and unclean utensils.
I suffer from chronic acidity and heartburn. Could I be infected with Helicobacter Pylori?
Acidity and heartburn are symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection, but a medical consultation is necessary to conduct the required tests.
I was diagnosed with Helicobacter Pylori but did not receive treatment. Is there a risk?
Yes, not treating Helicobacter Pylori may lead to serious health issues such as inflammation of the stomach lining, stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, or stomach cancer.
I received treatment for Helicobacter Pylori. Is it possible to get infected again?
