H. pylori is a very common condition that comes from a spiral-shaped bacterium
that can live in the stomach or in the duodenum, which is the area of the intestine
just below the stomach. This bacterium can protect itself from the harsh stomach
acid by covering itself with the mucous that lines the stomach and can then penetrate
the lining and produce bleeding or an ulcer.
Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment
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Causes of Helicobacter PyloriThe H. pylori bacterium is believed to enter the body through the mouth by tainted
water or food or from hands that haven't been washed properly. Some researchers
believe it may be possible for people already infected with the bacterium to have
it move from their stomach or intestine into their mouth by belching or from gastro-esophagal
reflux, and then transmit it to another person through a kiss.
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Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori
There are often very few signs if you have an H. pylori infection, but the infection
can create toxins that are often noticeable. Diseases and conditions related to
h. pylori can cause abdominal pain or burning, frequent burping, or occasional
vomiting or nausea, and changes in your weight or appetite. Bloody stools or vomit
that looks to contain coffee grounds may also be a symptom, and any of these should
be discussed with your gastroenterologist, Dr. Shamsi.
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Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori
A non-invasive breath test may be done to determine the presence of H. pylori
by studying its effects on a liquid you're asked to drink. It takes about thirty
minutes for this test to provide good results and is simple for the patient. A
second non-invasive measure involves a laboratory testing your stool for certain
proteins that h. pylori creates.
An endoscopy may be performed, during which a tiny sample of tissue from your
stomach is taken for study.
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Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori
H. pylori is usually treated by antibiotics whose effectiveness is closely monitored
by Dr. Shamsi. The antibiotics are typically taken for a fourteen day period,
after which a breath or stool test is done to see if the h. pylori has been removed.
Even if the treatment is successful, it is possible to become infected again.
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