Information on Stomach Bacteria
Stomach problems can result from an imbalance in the digestive chemicals or hormones in another part of the body. They can also be caused by bacteria. Most of the time bacteria come into our bodies via our mouths because of the food we ingest. Most bacteria are swept away by the constant motion of the digestive system, but some bacteria can attach itself to the stomach lining and wreak havoc.
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Normal Flora
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The good bacteria in our stomachs, called normal/intestinal flora, work harmoniously to combat and overpower the pathogens that try to invade our bodies through our oral cavities. This working normal flora matures and gets stronger as we mature.
H. Pylori
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Some bacteria can live in our stomachs for years and become a problem in later life. One such bacterium is H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). It can be present in a child's body but not show any signs or symptoms. As the child becomes an adult, the H. pylori infection can turn into other ailments such as gastritis or peptic ulcers. H. Pylori seems to be spread from person to person when practicing unsanitary habits like not washing your hands. H. Pylori infection should be treated with a doctor's care.
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Gastritis & Peptic Ulcers
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Gastritis usually produces nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in children. Peptic ulcers are like heartburn but the pain strikes below the ribs. If a child complains about these kinds of pain, try giving her something to eat. If the pain persists after eating, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis affects not only the stomach, but the intestines as well. Another name for gastroenteritis is stomach flu. It is caused more often by viruses and less by bacteria. This is a treatable condition that affects too many children in impoverished countries. Bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium difficile and E. coli cause gastroenteritis through contaminated water sources or undercooked meat, seafood, baked goods or unpasteurized dairy products, and more recently, apple juice.
Most Common Symptoms
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Symptoms of gastroenteritis are similar to those of gastritis but also involve diarrhea (which produces dehydration), loss of appetite, headaches, abnormal flatulence, abdominal cramps, dysentery, fatigue and fainting.
Some stomach bacteria symptoms are from diseases like shigella, which causes mucus, pus and blood in the diarrhea.
Degree of Immunity
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Each person's body and immune system determines how many symptoms and how strongly the symptoms will manifest. A person's stomach pH assists the counteraction of disease microbes. HCL (hydrochloric acid) is the stomach acid that also helps in getting rid of pathogenic microorganisms. Bile, an acid produced by the liver, also destroys pathogens, but E. coli, shigella and salmonella are not destroyed by bile.
Prevention/Solution
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Simple measures can make the difference between life and death. Hand-washing, clean water supplies and proper food handling are all keys to the prevention of these digestive nuisances and sometimes life-threatening diseases.
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