Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – An overview
H. pylori can be described as a common bacteria found in the human digestive tract. These have the tendency of attacking the lining of the stomach. These bacteria are the main reason for stomach infections. Typically speaking, H. pylori infections do not tend to be harmful, but they are responsible for ulcers in the small intestine and the stomach.

“H” in the name of the infection refers to Helicobacter. Here, the meaning of “Helico” is spiral, indicating the fact that the shape of the bacteria is spiral. These bacteria generally infect the stomach during childhood.

How do the H. pylori bacteria cause stomach problems?

• H. pylori bacteria have the tendency of living in the acidic and harsh environments of the human stomach.
• They can easily change the stomach environment and reduce the acidity for survival.
• It is their spiral shape that gives them the scope of penetrating the stomach lining.
• Once in the stomach lining, they remain mucus protected, and the immune cells of the body cannot reach them.
• They can disturb the immune response of an individual, resulting in stomach problems.

What are the main symptoms of H. pylori infection?
The H pylori infection symptoms include the following:

• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• A burning sensation or pain in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Frequent burping
• Abdominal pain when the stomach is empty
• Unexplained loss of weight

Many individuals will not have H pylori infection – symptoms. However, people might be born with resistance to the harmful effects of these bacteria. People with ulcers due to the infection might experience the following symptoms, in which case a doctor needs to be consulted immediately:

• A burning pain in the belly
• Feeling dull
• Fever
• Heartburn
• Anemia
• Trouble swallowing
• Blood in the stool

What are the causes of H. pylori infection?

• How the H. pylori bacteria actually infect people is a question that has not yet been answered.
• These bacteria might get passed on from one individual to another through direct contact by way of vomit, fecal matter, or saliva.
• These bacteria might also spread through infected water and food.

What are the risk factors for the infection?
The H. pylori infection is generally contracted during childhood. The risk factors for this condition are mostly related to living conditions during one’s childhood. They are:

• Living in areas that are very crowded
• Living without the supply of reliably clean water
• Living with individuals who are already suffering from the infection

When should you consult a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted immediately if the following H pylori infection – symptoms do not seem to go away:

• Bloody vomit or vomit that appears very similar to coffee grounds
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Bloody or black stool or stool that looks similar to tar
• Lasting pain or gnawing in the area under the ribs. The pain must improve after drinking milk, after eating, or after taking different antacids.

How can the H. pylori infection be prevented?

• Screening for H. pylori bacteria would be the first and final step of preventing the infection.
• Staying away from infected individuals and living in clean environments can help in preventing the infection.
• Washing hands thoroughly before eating and drinking water from a safe source can help.
• Eating hygienically prepared food can also aid the prevention procedure.

How is the H. pylori infection treated?

• Antibiotics are the main treatment for the infection.
• Doctors also prescribe acid-suppressing medicines and antacids for blocking or neutralizing the production of stomach acids.
• Following a regular food intake schedule can also help in soothing the abdominal pain experienced due to the infection.

How is the infection diagnosed?
The H. pylori infection is diagnosed by:

• Breath tests
• Blood tests
• Biopsy of the stomach lining called endoscopy
• Stool tests

It is important for people to have an idea of the H Pylori infection – symptoms in order to get it treated in the right manner.