Important Information about Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori, commonly referred to as H. pylori, is a spiral bacteria that usually resides beneath the mucus layer next to the gastric cells.

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is a bacteria that is responsible for causing widespread infection in over 50% of the global population. Though it is a common cause of infection, in most of the cases the infected does not show any symptom. H. pylori infections are associated with the inflammation of different areas like duodenum and the stomach.

This microorganism has changed to thrive in the acidic condition of the stomach. This bacteria burrow in the lining cells of the stomach and create low-grade inflammation. H. pylori cause gastritis and gastric ulcers. At least 10% of the people suffering from helicobacter pylori infection have a chance of developing an ulcer. The infected patients run a high risk of lymphoma and stomach cancer.

Surprisingly, the existence of the bacteria, in some cases, decreases the frequency of esophagitis as H. pylori reduce the quantity of stomach acid coming in the esophagus. In the process, people infected with H. pylori face a lower risk of having esophageal cancer. The bacteria also reduce the chances of growing allergies and asthma.

Helicobacter pylori are most commonly found in underdeveloped countries. But improved economic condition ensures that the amount of infection decreases among the population. The correct mode of H. pylori transmission is uncertain but it is thought that the contamination spreads by saliva and mostly the infection happens during childhood. It can also spread by the fecal contamination. It explains why poorer countries face higher amount of infection as it is a result of absence of clean water and proper hygienic sanitary conditions. 

The majority of the infected people do not show any symptom or disease. For those having helicobacter pylori symptoms demonstrate diseases like ulcers and gastritis. The symptoms are set apart by:

• Lack of appetite
• Pain in the upper abdominal area
• Vomiting and nausea
• In severe condition, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract

During abdominal pain, there is burning sensations in the central upper-abdomen, just under the ribs. This can be related to lack of appetite, burping and bloating. Such helicobacter pylori symptoms occur usually after eating and also in the early morning. In case of severe inflammation, there is a high chance of bleeding from the inside layers of the stomach. These bleeding symptoms include black stools and vomiting blood. The black feces are the result of metabolized and partially digested blood.

Helicobacter pylori infection can have tremendous effect on the patient’s gastrointestinal system. If you are passing black and bloody stools and vomiting blood - it is a medical emergency and demands immediate medical supervision. The testing for this infection is performed on stool, breath and blood samples. Also biopsy of the layers of gastrointestinal tract reveals the presence of the bacteria. But other than the bacteria some lifestyle-related issues such as alcohol consumption and smoking can create ulcers and gastritis. The treatment for this infection needs antibiotics, antacids and lifestyle changes. These changes will help you to get rid of this disease.

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