Helicobacter Pylori Information

Helicobacter pylori is the bacteria that causes peptic ulcers. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 20 percent of people under the age of 40 have an H. pylori infection, and half of people over 60 have the infection. An H. pylori infection is so common that most people will never develop symptoms from the bacteria. Yet for some people, an H. pylori infection can mean trouble.

Causes

The H. pylori bacteria can be spread from person to person through saliva or through infected fecal matter. For example, if you kiss a person who is infected, or eat contaminated food from an individual who hasn't washed their hands, you can become infected. H. pylori can also be passed through contaminated water, but this is more prevalent in areas of poor sanitation, or where water is untreated.

Infection

Once you become infected with H. pylori, the bacteria travels into your digestive tract, making its way into your stomach. Most bacteria can't survive within your stomach. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, H. pylori has become adapted to harsh environments, and can create an enzyme to protect itself. These enzymes go through a process of biochemical actions that makes a low-acid protection area around the H. pylori.

Symptoms

If you become infected with H. pylori, you'll start to have a sensation much like indigestion, nausea and vomiting, and frequent belching. Other symptoms can include a feeling of being bloated, weight loss and abdominal pain. Serious symptoms can result in severe pain in your abdomen, difficulty swallowing, and stools that have blood or appear tarry. You may have black or bloody vomit, or vomit that can have what looks like coffee grounds. If you develop severe symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, as this may be a sign of a bleeding ulcer.

Complications

If H. pylori develops into a serious complication, sores and ulcers can develop within your stomach and small intestines. Many ulcers are the result of an H. pylori infection. H. pylori can cause gastritis as well. Gastritis is an inflammation of your stomach lining. According to the Mayo Clinic, H. pylori is also a risk factor for certain types of cancers, such as stomach cancer and MALT (gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues).

Diagnosis

H. pylori is usually diagnosed through blood tests, breath test, stool tests, and an endoscopy exam. A blood sample is taken from your finger through pricking your finger. With a breath test, you will be given a solution containing radioactive carbon molecules. These molecules break down in your stomach, and are then released as you exhale. You're made to breathe into a bag, whereby an instrument is placed into the bag to detect any radioactive carbon. Stool samples are used to detect any foreign proteins that are associated with H. pylori. An endoscopy is a small tube that is inserted through your throat and into your stomach to look for any problems. A biopsy may be extracted to test for H. pylori.

References

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
• Mayo Clinic: H. pylori Causes
• Mayo Clinic: Complications from H. pylori