H. pylori

H. pylori is a type of bacteria that infects your stomach and can lead to irritation and sores in your stomach lining or the upper part of your small intestine (the duodenum). In some cases, this infection can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

How Common is H. pylori?
This infection is widespread, with roughly two-thirds of the global population carrying it. For many, it doesn’t cause any symptoms, but it’s the most common reason for peptic ulcers—painful sores in the digestive system. In rare cases, it can contribute to the development of stomach cancer.

How Does H. pylori Spread?

H. pylori spreads mainly through person-to-person contact or contaminated food, water, or utensils. You can catch it by:

Consuming unclean food or water
Mouth-to-mouth contact, like kissing
Exposure to contaminated stool or vomit

Once the bacteria enter your stomach, they grow and weaken the stomach’s protective lining, making it easier for stomach acids to create ulcers.

Is H. pylori Contagious?

Yes, you can catch H. pylori through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or bodily fluids.

Risk Factors

Though the bacteria often infects people during childhood, adults can also contract it. Your living conditions can influence your risk. Factors include:

Overcrowded living spaces
Limited access to clean water and sanitation
Living with someone who’s infected
Residing in a developing country

Symptoms of H. pylori Infection

Carrying H. Pylori doesn’t always cause symptoms. But if it leads to gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or ulcers, you might notice a dull or burning pain in your abdomen that comes and goes, often worsening on an empty stomach. You might feel better after eating or taking an antacid.

Other possible symptoms include:

Bloating
Burping
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained weight loss

If your stool looks black, tarry, or contains blood, contact your doctor right away.

When to Seek Emergency Help

A peptic ulcer could bleed into your stomach or intestines, leading to severe health problems. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Bloody or black stools
Trouble breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Pale skin
Vomit resembling coffee grounds
Intense stomach pain

In addition, an untreated H. Pylori infection can raise your risk of stomach cancer. Early signs are often mild but may include:

Abdominal pain or swelling
Feeling full after eating small amounts
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosing H. pylori

If you show symptoms, your doctor will likely review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Several tests can confirm an H. pylori infection:

Stool Tests: These check for the presence of H. pylori antigens or look for genetic material from the bacteria.
Urea Breath Test: After swallowing a substance containing urea, you’ll exhale into a bag for analysis. If H. pylori is present, it will break down the urea, producing carbon dioxide detectable in your breath.
Endoscopy: A camera-equipped tube is used to view your stomach and small intestine. A sample might be taken to check for H. pylori.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or upper gastrointestinal tests might be used to detect ulcers or other stomach issues.

Treatment for H. pylori

To treat ulcers caused by H. pylori, doctors typically prescribe a mix of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid.

Common treatments include:

Triple Therapy: Combines two antibiotics with a PPI. Options include:
- Rifabutin-based triple therapy: Uses amoxicillin, rifabutin, and a PPI (e.g., omeprazole).
- Clarithromycin triple therapy: Uses clarithromycin, amoxicillin or metronidazole, and a PPI.
Antibiotics: Two antibiotics (like amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or tetracycline) are usually prescribed to prevent bacterial resistance.
PPIs: These reduce stomach acid, giving your stomach time to heal.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: Sometimes used alongside antibiotics to protect the stomach.
H-2 Blockers: These reduce stomach acid but are only used when PPIs aren’t suitable.

If side effects occur, consult your doctor for alternative treatment options.

After finishing treatment, your doctor may recheck for H. pylori to ensure the infection is gone. If bacteria remain, further antibiotics may be necessary.

Complications

H. pylori can cause gastritis (stomach inflammation), leading to discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It’s also the leading cause of peptic ulcers, which can sometimes result in severe complications such as:

Blockage of food passage from the stomach
A hole forming in the stomach wall
Bleeding

In rare cases, long-term infection increases the risk of stomach cancer. Symptoms may start mildly but can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.

How to Prevent H. pylori Infection

You can reduce your risk by maintaining good hygiene. Here are some prevention tips:

Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
Avoid unclean food and water.
Ensure food is cooked properly.
Avoid food prepared by those who haven’t washed their hands.

The Role of Diet

While poor hygiene and sanitation are major risk factors for H. pylori, diet might also play a role. Studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can lower your risk. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and salt might increase your chances of infection. Nutrients like vitamin C and flavonoids could help protect the stomach lining.

Key Takeaways

H. pylori is a common bacterium that infects the stomach. Most people don’t experience symptoms, but it’s the leading cause of peptic ulcers. Left untreated, it can sometimes lead to stomach cancer. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.

FAQs

Is H. pylori dangerous?
Most people don’t have issues, but the bacteria can damage the stomach lining, causing ulcers. Rarely, it can lead to stomach cancer.
Can H. pylori be cured easily?
Yes, with antibiotics and PPIs, most infections clear up within two weeks. Following good hygiene practices afterward helps prevent reinfection.

SOURCES:

National Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
Radiographics
University of California San Francisco
KidsHealth: “Infections
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
American College of Gastroenterology
WEBMD