H. pylori Bacteria – Some Important Details On The Silent Killer

Many people do not know about the exact name of the bacteria H. pylori but, they do know the effects caused by it. So, in this blog, you will get information about the infamous pylori infection and the accountable microorganism helicobacter pylori bacteria. 

It is a gram-negative bacteria that is quite common and causes h.pylori infection. With its presence, it destroys the stomach lining that comprises the mucous layer, which offers protection to the stomach against the acid. The h.pylori stomach bacteria get attached to the stomach wall and penetrate into it harming the mucous and injuring the cells.

Most peptic ulcers are caused by this bacteria and it weakens the immunity system, which later leads to multiple gastrointestinal diseases. In worst-case scenarios, if you don’t treat the ulcer, it might lead to stomach cancer, although rarely. 

Who is most likely to get affected?

It is quite surprising that about 75% of people suffered the wrath of H. pylori infection. There is no guarantee that all individuals getting affected will have similar definite symptoms. Only a part of the affected population experiences the symptoms, others don’t even realize they have the infection. 

Are you thinking about how this bacteria attacks you or how it can get transmitted? The actual transmission of the h.pylori stomach bacteria is not clear yet. But some research studies indicate, it might spread through contaminated food or water. Or, it is more likely to affect you, if you are residing in poor living or sanitary conditions. That is why; this infection is mostly found in developing countries due to the polluted water, impure food, terrible hygienic conditions, and ecological hazards.

What complications are associated with the pylori infection?

As mentioned before, the majority of people suffer from this infection, but some also experience symptoms of ulcers. Moreover, other health issues can be caused due to the presence of this bacteria. For example, the closest relative of the pylori infection is gastritis; hence, most people suffer from it. 

Unless the H. pylori bacteria is fully eradicated, it continues to remain in the stomach causing chronic inflammation. Its presence also causes a tear of the mucous membrane in the stomach that increases the acid flow. This enhanced acid flow makes way for the formation of peptic ulcers. This will create a situation in which it is prone to stress, salty foods, and carcinogenic compounds.

Let’s learn some more details about the conditions that correspond to this infection.

• Dyspepsia (Indigestion)

Most people who suffer from indigestion or dyspepsia have stomach or chest pain. The feeling usually happens shortly after eating or drinking anything. It might cause an individual to feel bloated or uneasy during meals, even if they haven’t eaten much.

• Ulceration

H.pylori is linked to a variety of stomach ulcers that are open sores. Acids induce damage to the tissue lining, resulting in ulcers when the mucous layer covering our stomach and intestines is compromised. According to research, not all ulcers are caused by H.pylori. Generally, peptic ulcers are of two types, gastric ulcer/gastritis and duodenal ulcer/duodenitis. Gastritis can be either chronic (gradually) or acute (suddenly).

• Iron deficiency anemia

Sometimes, chronic gastritis can lead to the reduction of iron absorption ability, which then results in the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia.

• Gastric cancer

When you are experiencing the symptoms of the gastric ulcer but there is a delay in the treatment of h.pylori, there is a probability of the development of gastric carcinoma.

What are the symptoms of h.pylori?

The vast majority of patients have no indications or indications of H.pylori infection. H.pylori bacteria may live in human bodies for years. 

The following represent a few of the most common symptoms of an H.pylori infection:

• Burning sensations or stomach ache
• Bloating 
• Feeling full even after eating small meals
• Appetite loss
• Dark-colored stools or black stools
• Weight reduction
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hurt in the abdomen, particularly when the stomach is empty

It is critical to understand that symptoms differ from person to person, which is why correct detection is the only method to establish the probability of infection. Also, remember, some over-the-counter medications can also trigger the onset of peptic ulcers.

How will you get to know if it is h.pylori?

If you do not have ulcer symptoms, your physician is likely to not test you for H. pylori. But, if you’re experiencing them nowadays or have had them in the past, you should be checked. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can also cause stomach lining damage, so it’s critical to figure out what’s causing your discomfort so you can receive the correct therapy.

To begin, your doctor will inquire about your medical records, symptoms, and any medications you are currently taking before h.pylori treatment. They will next perform a physical examination on you, including pushing on your tummy to look for swelling, soreness, or pain. You might also have:

• Blood and stool tests 

Various blood tests will be conducted to detect infections. Furthermore, stool tests will confirm if you have an ulcer or any other kind of disease. There are two types of stool tests, the antigen test, and the PCR test.

• Urea breath test

You’ll be given a special liquid that contains urea. Next, you’ll breathe into a bag, which your doctor will send to a lab for testing. If you have H. pylori, the bacteria will convert the urea in your body into carbon dioxide, and lab testing will indicate that your breath contains higher-than-normal quantities of the gas.

• Endoscopy

Here, a tube with a small camera will be inserted down your throat to the stomach and the duodenum. This tube is the endoscope and it is used to collect a sample for the determination of the presence of the bacteria. During the procedure, you might be asleep or awake, but in any case, you will be given medicine to feel comfortable.

• Upper GI examinations

 In a hospital, you’ll swallow a beverage containing barium, and your physician will do an X-ray. The fluid coats your neck and stomach, making them visible in the photograph.

• CT scan/MRI

CT scan stands for computed tomography. It’s a high-powered X-ray that produces detailed images of the interior of your body.

• Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a tiny bit of tissue from your stomach to search for symptoms of cancer. This might happen during an endoscopy.

Once these tests are done and you get the diagnosis report, accordingly you will be prescribed medicines for your condition for the h. pylori treatment.

What is the treatment course for h.pylori infection?

The treatment of h.pylori requires multiple steps. If you are suffering from H. pylori ulcers, you’ll require medication to eliminate the bacteria, mend your stomach lining, and protect the sores from recurring. Getting well generally takes 1 to 2 weeks of therapy.

Your doctor will most likely suggest that you consume a variety of medications. Among the alternatives are:

• Antibiotics are prescribed that kill microorganisms in your body, such as amoxicillin.

• PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) are medications that decrease the amount of acid in your stomach by preventing the small pumps that create it from working.

• Bismuth subsalicylate may help combat H. pylori, together with your antibiotics.

• Medications inhibit the chemical histamine, which is a bodily chemical that causes your stomach to produce more acid.

Your therapy may need you to take 14 or more tablets every day for a few weeks, which appears to be a lot of medication.

Consequently, a two-week course of various antibiotics with an antacid (mainly from the proton pump inhibitor class of drugs) is commonly administered. Repeat testing is frequently conducted after H. pylori therapy to check that the infection has been properly treated.

Yet, a rising proportion of people with H. pylori infection are developing drug resistance. As a result, it is critical to complete the whole course of any drugs as recommended by your health care expert. This infection does not influence you immediately; it gradually spreads pushing you to a worse condition. Also, if you have mild pylori condition, you can take supplements like Pylo-x. This food supplement can help to control the presence of bacteria and even help to heal if you have an ulcer. To know more about the products, visit our website (https://www.pylo-x.com/) or contact us at 833.550.6660.