H. Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, infection is the most common bacterial infection in human beings, although many of them don’t show any symptoms.

H. pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a type of bacteria that attacks the stomach and causes an infection. H. pylori affects more than half of the population worldwide, especially in the developing countries, and it tends to occur during childhood.

Causes and risk factors leading to H. pylori infection

• Helicobacter pylori bacteria are responsible for causing H. pylori infection, and the germs transmit between people through close contact, like sharing utensils and coming in touch with the bodily fluids and stool of the patient, and contaminated food and water.
• The risk of H. pylori infection increases when living in crowded places with poor sanitation conditions, having a family history, and having certain health conditions, such as atrophic gastritis (swelling and thinning of the stomach lining), stomach tumors, and pernicious anemia.

Symptoms of H. pylori infection

In most cases, H. pylori infection doesn’t cause symptoms, and the symptoms usually manifest due to the complications it causes. The symptoms include:

• Pain or burning in the abdomen.
• Stomach upset.
• Stomach pain, especially when on an empty stomach.
• Burping.
• Bloating.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Helicobacter pylori can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers, inflammation of the stomach lining, and stomach cancer.

Diagnosis of H. pylori infection

• Stool test.
• Breath test.
• Blood tests.
• Upper endoscopy.

Treatment of H. pylori infection

• Treating H. pylori infections typically requires two different types of antibiotics in addition to a proton pump inhibitor.
• Avoid having foods and beverages that irritate the stomach, such as spicy, acidic, fatty, and processed foods, and alcohol and caffeinated drinks.