What is H. Pylori?
H. Pylori, otherwise known as helicobacter pylori, is a specific type of bacteria that infects the stomach. It’s one of the more common bacterial infections that can cause a slew of digestive issues, like gastritis, ulcers and in some cases, stomach cancer.
What causes H. Pylori?
H. Pylori is usually contracted during childhood and can continue to persist throughout the years if left untreated. H. pylori bacterial infections often occur when the H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. This is typically transmitted from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids (saliva, vomit or fecal matter), however, it can also be spread through contaminated food or water. The exact manner in which H. pylori causes peptic ulcers or gastritis in some with the bacteria remains to be discovered.
It’s thought that this infection may be present in more than half of the people in the world. Those at higher risk for contracting H. pylori include those:
- Living in crowded conditions
- Living without a reliable supply of clean water
- Living in a developing country
- Living with someone who contains the H. pylori infection
What are symptoms of H. Pylori?
Many do not realize they have the bacterial infection, as it doesn’t always cause adverse symptoms or sickness. It’s unclear why some with H. Pylori experience symptoms and others don’t, but when they DO occur, here are the signs to look out for:
- An ache or burning pain in the abdomen
- Stomach pain that worsens with the stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent belching
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bloody or black stools
- Bloody or black vomit (often resembling coffee grounds)
The H. pylori bacteria is associated with complications ranging from ulcers and inflammation to stomach cancer.
How is H. Pylori diagnosed?
There are a variety of ways your doctor can determine whether you have a H. pylori bacterial infection. Tests may be done using a stool sample, breath test and/or by an upper endoscopy exam. Following these tests, your doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with you. From there, a treatment plan will be formed that is best matched for your condition and health.
What are treatment options for H. Pylori?
H. pylori infections are typically treated with two or more different antibiotics simultaneously, which prevents the bacteria from developing a resistance to one in particular. Treatment to heal your stomach may also include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which stop acid from being produced in the stomach
- Bismuth subsalicylate, which is more commonly known as pepto-bismol
- Histamine (h-2) blockers, which block a substance called histamine that triggers acid production
It’s important to know that repeat testing for H. pylori is likely at least four weeks following treatment. This repeat testing will show if the treatment was effective or if another round of treatment is needed. Always discuss with your doctor if any concerns arise that may indicate a bacterial infection like H. pylori.