H. pylori are a common type of bacteria that are found in the digestive tract and attack the stomach lining. About 60% of the world's adult population has been diagnosed as carrying the bacterium. Helicobacter pylori infections are usually safe, causing no symptoms, but in some cases are among the main contributors to gastritis, inflammatory conditions and peptic ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
The characteristic of Helicobacter pylori is their resistance and ability to change and adapt their surrounding bacterial environment, thus ensuring their survival, sometimes even after antibiotic treatment. With their spiral shape, they penetrate the gastric mucosa and generate substances that neutralise stomach acids. They are additionally protected by a resistant sheath that hinders the action of immune cells and prevents the body's natural response. Helicobacter pylori is the only microorganism that can preserve in the high acid environment of the stomach and colonize.
Distribution:
It is not yet known exactly how H. pylori. In the first place, good hygiene is a leading factor and is essential for prevention from the bacterium.
Spread occurs most commonly orally or by contact with contaminated water or food. H. pylori can also be transmitted, via faeces. It has been found that in childhood the body is more susceptible and prone to develop infection. The risk in adolescents is higher, mostly due to their less strict hygiene.
The spread of infection depends in part on the environment and living conditions and the following factors are important:
- Cohabitation in a multi-occupancy home and use of a shared bathroom
- Provided access to clean, cold and hot running water.
- Higher risk of infection with H. pylori exists for those living in poor countries where areas are overcrowded, have unsanitary living conditions and limited access to medical care and medicines.
- A family member who has been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection.
Symptoms:
When signs of infection with H. pylori, symptomatology may include the following conditions:
- Burning pain in the abdomen
- Stomach pain, which is very pronounced on an empty stomach.
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
A number of other symptoms may also be associated with infection with H. pylori, including:
- feeling of bloating
- heartburn
- high temperature
- lack of appetite or anorexia
- unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis:
Medical and family history are an important part in diagnosing carrier. Many other tests and procedures are performed to confirm the diagnosis:
- Physical examination - examine the stomach for signs of swelling, tenderness or pain.
- Blood test - blood samples are taken that will be used to detect antibodies to H. pylori. This test may give inaccurate results because, as already mentioned, the bacterium has the ability to change its activity according to the environment created.
- Stool microbiological examination - a stool sample is taken to analyze for signs of H. pylori in faeces.
- Breath test - a urea-containing preparation is ingested. If H. pylori are present, they release an enzyme which breaks down and carbon dioxide is released. This method is carried out using a special device.
- The most reliable method of diagnosis is to perform a gastroscopy followed by a biopsy of part of the mucosa.
Complications:
Complications associated with infection with H. pylori include:
- Scathing. H. pylori can damage the protective lining of the stomach and small intestine. This can allow stomach acid to create an open wound (ulcer). About 10% of people with H. pylori develop an ulcer.
- Inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Infection with H. pylori can irritate the stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis).
- Stomach cancer. Infection with H. pylori is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer due to the destructive force the bacterium exerts on the mucosa. This is a prerequisite for the reduction of local defence mechanisms and the development of abnormal cells.
- Peritonitis. It represents an infection of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity).
Prevention:
Because of the high percentage of asymptomatic carrier groups, in areas of the world where H. pylori and its complications are common, tests are also applied to healthy people, most often in closed family groups. However, the absence of such does not mean that the battery does not have its negative effects on the body.
The best way for prevention and prevention, besides regular checkups, is to follow a proper diet that includes low caffeine, carbonated beverages, sugary foods and lots of fatty meats. Spicy dishes as well as spices such as pepper are a prerequisite for stomach irritation. It is a good idea to avoid consuming the trendy lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach, as it further sets the stage for erosion of the stomach lining.
Preferably fresh vegetables and fruits, white meat and fish, foods containing Omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids. The intake of probiotics, even by people who have no complaints, is the ticket to a well-balanced stomach flora in the long term. It is important to have a good set of good bacteria to prevent the possibility of bad bacteria - in this case Helicobacter pylori - multiplying.
Treatment:
In the event that a Helicobacter pylori infection develops, the most commonly used method of treatment is combination antibiotic therapy.
The therapeutic effect of combining antibiotics from two different groups has been demonstrated, as well as the schematic administration of Metronidazole. Most often antibiotic preparations from the group of Penicillins or Macrolide antibiotics are used. Metronidazole is an antibiotic with antiprotozoal activity and attacks bacteria that cannot be cured with the other groups of drugs. By combination treatment, a broad spectrum of action is guaranteed, and thus the chance of relapse is drastically reduced.
The duration of treatment is between 1-3 weeks, depending on the extent of infection and individual patient characteristics.
In some cases, one course of treatment is not enough, requiring repeated administration of an antibiotic. In most cases, especially with a timely response from the patient and the doctor, the Helicobacter pylori infection is cured quickly and permanently.
A very important point after the therapy is to follow the above guidelines for a healthy diet, sufficient water intake and maintaining a strong immunity.
Operative intervention in Helicobacter pylori is applied only when complications of it are created - ulcer or carcinoma. In case there are no such complications, surgical intervention is not recommended.For more information, we, Medical Karaj are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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