Helicobacter Pylori:
It is a spiral-shaped bacteria that lives and grows in the Stomach lining walls. Most people infected with Helicobacter pylori have no symptoms and they will never develop problems, however it is the cause of many diseases in the stomach, including ulcers, as the presence of the Helicobacter pylori is one of the causes of ulcers not vice versa, and the person remains infected unless he undergoes treatment.
Causes:
It is transmitted to humans through unclean food, water and utensils, contact with the saliva of an infected person, or sharing utensils with him, as helicobacter pylori causes changes in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) then, Bacteria infect the protective tissues that line the stomach, this leads to the release of certain enzymes and toxins, activating the immune system, these factors altogether may directly or indirectly infect the stomach cells or duodenum, causing gastritis or duodenitis, as a result of these changes, the stomach and duodenum are more susceptible to damage than stomach acid.
Risk factors:
- Living with someone who has helicobacter pylori.
- Limited clean, sterile water's availability.
- Living in a developing and crowded country.
Symptoms:
Most individuals with chronic gastritis or duodenitis have no symptoms, However, some people develop more serious problems, including stomach or duodenal ulcers, Ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all, and the most common ulcer symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling (gaseous distention) gas-full and bloated
- Eructation
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Heartburn.
- Anorexia.
- Feeling gaseous distention and bloated after eating a small amount of food.
- dark or tarry stools.
- Ulcers that bleed can cause Anemia and fatigue.
When to see a doctor:
When experiencing the following symptoms:
- Severe and persistent abdominal pain.
- Blood appearance in the vomit.
- Black stool coloration, or blood appearance in it.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Complications:
- Stomach Lining Inflammation.
- Gastric Ulcers.
- Internal Bleeding
- Stomach Cancer.
Diagnosis:
- Urea breath tests require drink a specialized solution containing a substance that is broken down by the H. pylori bacteria.
- Laboratory Tests: Stool Examination.
- Endoscope, taking a sample from the stomach wall.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics.
- Proton pump inhibitors, this medication reduces stomach acid production, allowing tissue damaged by the infection to heal.
- Acid secretion inhibitors (H2-receptor blockers).
- For the bacteria treatment to be effective, it is important to take the full course of all medications.
Prevention:
- Wash hands after using the bathroom, before preparing and eating food.
- Take care to sterilize water, especially well water.
- Make sure to wash vegetables and fruits well.
- Avoid sharing utensils while eating and drinking.