Information on H Pylori Bacteria

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that infects the stomach and small intestines of humans. Infections of H. pylori is common, but most people are completely asymptomatic. However, other people get peptic ulcers due to H. pylori infections. H. pylori is also responsible for some stomach tumors.

Symptoms

• Some H. pylori infections are asymptomatic and cause no illness or disease. Some common symptoms of infection are vomiting and a burning, sharp abdominal pain.

Infection Causes

• H. pylori is spread from person to person through saliva and fecal matter. If not treated properly, water can also spread the bacteria into the stomach. The stomach contains a low pH and normally kills bacteria when it travels through the digestive tract. However, in the case of H. pylori, the bacteria creates an enzyme that buffers and increases the pH in the stomach.

Complications

• Complications are mostly from development of peptic ulcers. The ulcers are extremely painful. Sores form on the stomach lining, and the acid irritates the tissue, causing pain. Stomach cancer is also linked to H. pylori.

Diagnosis

• Blood is tested for abnormal white blood cell count. The doctor also conducts a breath test. This test starts with the patient drinking a solution that reacts in the stomach. The patient exhales into an analysis machine. If H. pylori is present, the machine detects radioactive carbon from the ingested solution.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria in the stomach. If peptic ulcers are present, the doctor may also prescribe medication that controls the production of stomach acid, which allows the patient's stomach lining to heal and eliminates the pain.