About Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori, commonly called H. pylori, is a bacterium which resides in about half of the world's population. It is found in the stomach or small intestine, and spreads through infected saliva or fecal matter, so untreated water is one possible source. Infection occurs more prominently in undeveloped countries. Living in crowded and unsanitary conditions without a source of hot water increases the risk of developing a dangerous H. pylori infection.

Normally H. pylori infection does not cause symptoms nor disease, but for reasons still to be determined, some people are vulnerable to serious complications from H. pylori infection. In these individuals, the infection can lead to disorders ranging from mild flulike symptoms to stomach cancer or ulcers in the digestive tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H. pylori infection include tarry stool, nausea and vomiting, bloating, loss of weight, continual burping, and abdominal pain or aching. The individual may also have trouble swallowing, and in severe infections there may be very dark or bloody vomit of a grainy, coffee-ground appearance.

Any combination of these symptoms is reason to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Along with reporting symptoms, there are several tests that may be done in order to definitively diagnose an H. pylori infection. An endoscopy may be performed, in which a long tube equipped with a small camera is passed down through the throat and esophagus to view the stomach and duodenum. During the procedure, a tissue sample may be taken. The tissue sample is then taken for biopsy to test for the presence of H. pylori. There may also be blood tests, and a stool sample may be taken for testing.

An additional test called a "breath test" is also sometimes used to detect H. pylori. The patient is given a liquid to drink which contains radioactive carbons. In an individual with an H. pylori infection, the radioactive carbon breaks down in the stomach. Thus it can be detected later when the patient is asked to breathe out into a paper bag.

Treatment

Usually the physician will prescribe a combination of antibiotics at once to treat H. pylori infection. This approach helps to keep the body from developing a resistance to an antibiotic.

Other drugs will be given in order to cut the acid in the stomach, not only to relieve symptoms but to help heal the area. Histamine blockers perform this action effectively. So do proton pump inhibitors, which suppress the release of acid from cells known to create it.

Generally, following treatment for the H. pylori infection, more tests will be performed to be sure the infection is gone. If the H. pylori is still present, a different course of antibiotics will be tried.

The best course of action in H. pylori infection is to prevent any likelihood of its occurrence in the first place. H. pylori is yet another reason to follow your mother's advice to wash your hands in hot water and stay clean!

Sources:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/h-pylori/DS00958