Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria which infect your stomach. It can cause sores called peptic ulcers in the lining of your stomach and for some people, this infection could lead to stomach cancer.

Helicobacter pylori is a common type of bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and has a tendency to attack the stomach lining. It is a common cause of peptic ulcers and it may lead people to suffer stomach cancer.

Helicobacter pylori is the germs that were the cause of most stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are basically painful sores in the stomach lining. With stomach ulcers, it can lead to numerous stomach problems such as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and more. For some people, the infection could lead to stomach cancer.

Infection with H.pylori  is very common as about two-thirds of the world’s population has it in their bodies. The bacteria can be passed from person to person through contaminated food or water or even through direct contact with saliva, vomit or fecal matter. Risk factors for an infection could relate to certain living conditions, such as:

• Living in crowded conditions
• Living without clean water supply
• Living in an unsanitary living conditions

H.pylori infections can spread through different ways. It is still not known exactly how the infection spread as the bacteria has coexisted with humans for many thousands of years. Here are a few ways the infection could be spread from one person to another:

• Consuming contaminated food and water
• Living in communities or countries that lacks clean water or good sewage system
• Direct contact with another person’s hand (if the person doesn’t wash their hand)
• Direct contact with body fluids such as saliva and more

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and family history of disease. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including any vitamins or supplements. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will likely ask you specifically about your use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.

Most people with Helicobacter pylori don’t have any symptoms. The most common symptoms of H.pylori infection is having stomach ulcers. Other symptoms that may associated with H.pylori infection are:

• Excessive burping
• Feeling bloated
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Fever
• Lack of appetite, or anorexia
• Weight Loss

For diagnosis, the doctors would usually asked for your medical history of the disease. They will also ask for the medications you are taking especially vitamins and supplements. Aside from that, the doctor may also perform numerous of test to confirm their diagnosis:

• Physical Exam
• Blood Test
• Stool Test
• Breath Test
• Endoscopy