Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, are bacteria that infect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. H. pylori infection may affect more than half of the world’s population. This bacteria can alter its surroundings and lower acidity, allowing it to survive more readily. H. pylori’s spiral structure permits it to enter the stomach lining, where it is protected by mucus and immune cells cannot reach it. [1]
- pylori infections are mostly mild, however, they are responsible for the majority of the stomach and small intestine ulcers. Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining or the upper portion of the small intestine. H. pylori also raise the risk of stomach cancer and gastritis. [1]
Symptoms:
The majority of individuals with H. pylori infection have no signs or symptoms. When H. pylori infection causes signs or symptoms, they may include: [1]
- Dull pain or a burning sensation in your abdomen that worsens when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Burping
- Bloating
- Weight loss
What Causes H. Pylori Infection?
According to Hopkins Medicine, doctors think bacteria may be spread from person to person through the mouth, such as by kissing. It can also be transmitted by contact with vomit or feces. [2]
This might happen if you eat food that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned or cooked in a safe manner. You might also get it if you drink contaminated water. [2]
Who Is At Risk Of H Pylori Infection?
These are risk factors for H. pylori infection: [1, 2]
- Age: Children and individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to get this infection.
- Living in crowded conditions: If you share a house with a lot of other people, you’re more likely to have H. pylori.
- Living without a consistent supply of safe drinking water: Having a consistent supply of clean, running water reduces the likelihood of H. pylori infection.
- Living in an underdeveloped country: People living in undeveloped countries, where crowded and unclean living situations are more usual, are more likely to get this infection.
- Living in the same house as someone who has an H. pylori infection: Living with an H. pylori infected person will increase your chances of getting this infection.
Complications:
Peptic ulcers can be caused by H. pylori infections, but the infection or the ulcer itself can cause more significant consequences. These are some examples: [2]
- Internal bleeding: It can occur when a peptic ulcer ruptures a blood vessel and is linked to iron-deficient anemia.
- Obstruction: It occurs when something like a tumor prevents food from exiting your stomach.
- Perforation: It occurs when an ulcer bursts through your stomach wall.
- Peritonitis: It is an infection of the peritoneum.
- Cancer: pylori have also been linked to an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma, a kind of stomach cancer.
Diagnosis:
Most individuals are unaware that they have H. pylori, according to Association of American Family Physicians. If you develop peptic ulcer symptoms, your doctor will most likely test you for H. pylori infection.
Blood tests are the most often used method for diagnosing H. pylori infection, although your doctor may also recommend a breath test or a stool examination.
Here are the tests we offer to diagnose H. pylori:
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Antibodies Blood Test, IGG:
An H Pylori IgG Antibody blood test detects the IGG antibodies produced by the body in response to infection. These antibodies are usually present if a person has had a recent or previous infection and can be detected 12-18 months after recovery. [4, 5]
The test results are usually available within 2-3 days.
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Antibodies Blood Test, IGA:
This test detects the IGA antibodies in your blood. This test can: [4, 5]
- Detect H. Pylori-infected individuals who do not show IGG response and only have IGA antibodies.
- Detect H. Pylori, particularly in patients with duodenal ulcers
- Help to monitor H. Pylori eradication following antimicrobial treatment in patients with chronic mucosal diseases
The test results are usually available within 2-3 days.
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Antibodies Blood Test, IGA, IGG, And IGM:
This test is used to detect acute and chronic H. pylori infections in patients with gastric and duodenal disorders. For an accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, H pylori IgM testing should be conducted in conjunction with H pylori IgA and/or IgG tests. [4, 5]
The test results are usually available within 2-3 days.
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Urea Breath Test:
For this test, you will swallow a specific liquid containing urea. Then you’ll be asked to breathe into a bag, which your doctor will send to a lab for analysis. [4, 5]
If you have H. pylori, the bacteria in your body will convert urea into carbon dioxide. The lab test will indicate that your breath contains higher-than-normal quantities of carbon dioxide. .
The test results are usually available within 3-4 days.
- Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Antigen Stool Test:
It detects antigens linked with H. pylori infection in the feces. In cases of recurrent stomach ulcers and gastritis, this test is used to determine the prevalence and impact of Helicobacter pylori. [4, 5]
The test results are usually available within 2-3 days.
Treatment:
According to American College Of Gastroenterology Clinical Guideline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided if you have been diagnosed with H. pylori. These medications may raise your chances of developing an ulcer. Peptic ulcers are treated with antibiotics and an acid-reducing proton pump inhibitor, including: [3, 4]
- Antibiotics: Two antibiotics are commonly administered. Clarithromycin (Biaxin®), metronidazole (Flagyl®), amoxicillin, and tetracycline are common antibiotics.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These include esomeprazole (Nexium®), lomeprazole (Prilosec®), ansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®).
- Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication (e.g., Pepto-Bismol®) is sometimes added to the antibiotic-proton pump inhibitor combinations. This medication preserves the stomach lining.
Prevention:
You may avoid an H. pylori infection by following the same precautions you use to avoid other bacteria: [2]
- Wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing or eating meals.
- Do not eat or drink contaminated food or water.
- Don’t consume anything that hasn’t been completely cooked.
- Do not take food from those who haven’t washed their hands.
Go you think you might have H. Pylori? Get tested by ordering a simple blood test.
References:
- (n.d.). “Helicobacter Pylori”. Retrieved from Hopkinsmedicine.org: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/helicobacter-pylori
- (n.d.). “Helicobacter Pylori Infection”. Retrieved from Ucsfhealth.org: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/helicobacter-pylori-infection#:~:text=Helicobacter%20pylori%20(H%20pylori)%20is,common%20cause%20of%20peptic%20ulcers%20.
- (n.d.). “American College Of Gastroenterology Clinical Guideline: Treatment Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection”. Retrieved from Spg.pt:
https://www.spg.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2017-Treatment-of-Helicobacter-pylori-Infection.pdf
- (n.d.). “Helicobacter Pylori Diagnosis And Treatment Guidelines”. Retrieved from Ajmc.com:
https://www.ajmc.com/view/helicobacter-pylori-diagnosis-and-treatment-guidelines
- (n.d.). “Diagnosis And Treatment Of Peptic Ulcer Disease And H. Pylori Infection”. Retrieved from Aafp.org:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0215/p236.html
