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Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) happens when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. This is most common during childhood. H. pylori infection, a prevalent cause of stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers), may be present in more than half of the world's population.
Most people are unaware they have H. pylori since they never get sick from it. If you develop peptic ulcer symptoms, your doctor will almost certainly test you for H. pylori infection. A peptic ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining (gastric ulcer) or the first portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
Antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF H. PYLORI INFECTION?
Most persons who have H. pylori infection have no indications or symptoms. It is unclear why so many people do not exhibit symptoms. Some people, however, may be born with a higher resilience to the damaging effects of H. pylori.
When H. pylori infection causes signs or symptoms, they are usually associated to gastritis or a peptic ulcer and may include:
- A stomach ache or a burning sensation (abdomen)
- Stomach ache that may be exacerbated when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Burping frequently
- Bloating
- Weight loss that was unintentional
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF H. PYLORI INFECTION?
Infection with H. pylori occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. H. pylori bacteria are typically transmitted from person to person via direct contact with saliva, vomit, or stool. H. pylori can also be transmitted by tainted food or water. The precise mechanism by which the H. pylori bacteria produces gastritis or peptic ulcers in some persons is unknown.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR H. PYLORI INFECTION?
Infection with H. pylori is common in children. Risk factors for H. pylori infection are related to childhood living situations, such as:
- Living in a crowded environment: Living in a house with a lot of other people can raise your chances of getting H. pylori.
- Living without a consistent source of safe drinking water: A steady supply of clean, running water reduces the incidence of H. pylori.
- Being a resident of a developing country: People living in developing nations are more likely to be infected with H. pylori. This could be due to the fact that crowded and filthy living situations are more common in underdeveloped countries.
- Living with someone infected with H. pylori: If you live with someone who has H. pylori infection, you are more likely to have it as well.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF H. PYLORI INFECTION?
The following complications are related with H. pylori infection:
- Ulcers: H. pylori can cause damage to the stomach and small intestine linings. This can result in an open sore caused by gastric acid (ulcer). Approximately 10% of persons infected with H. pylori will develop an ulcer.
- Inflammation of the stomach lining: H. pylori infection can cause stomach inflammation and edema (gastritis).
- Cancer of the stomach: Infection with H. pylori is a significant risk factor for certain forms of stomach cancer.
HOW IS H. PYLORI INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
To assess whether you have H. pylori infection, several tests and methods are utilized. Helicobacter pylori identification requires testing (H. pylori). It is critical to repeat testing following therapy to ensure that H. pylori has been eradicated. A stool sample, a breath test, and an upper endoscopy exam may be used to conduct tests.
Stool tests
Stool antigen test: This is the most often used stool test for H. pylori detection. In the feces, the test looks for proteins (antigens) associated with H. pylori infection.
Stool PCR test: A stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can reveal H. pylori infection in the feces. The test can also detect mutations that make H. pylori resistant to antibiotics. This test, however, is more expensive than a stool antigen test and may not be offered at all medical facilities.
Breath test
During a urea breath test, you ingest a tablet, drink, or pudding that contains tagged carbon molecules. Carbon is released when the solution comes into contact with H. pylori in your stomach if you have an H. pylori infection.
Because your body absorbs carbon, it is expelled when you exhale. You blow into a bag to measure the amount of carbon released. The carbon molecules are detected using a specialized instrument. This test is appropriate for adults and children over the age of six who can cooperate with the test.
Scope test
A scope test, also known as an upper endoscopy exam, can be performed by a health care professional. This test may be performed by your provider to explore symptoms caused by illnesses such as a peptic ulcer or gastritis caused by H. pylori.
You will be given medicine to help you relax during this exam. During the exam, your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached (endoscope) down your neck and esophagus, into your stomach, and the first portion of your intestine (duodenum). This device allows your physician to see any issues in your upper digestive tract. Tissue samples may also be collected by your provider (biopsy). These samples are tested for H. pylori contamination.
This test is generally used to diagnose additional digestive disorders in addition to H. pylori infection because it is more intrusive than a breath or stool test. This test may be used by health care practitioners for additional testing and to screen for other intestinal disorders. They may also use this test to evaluate which antibiotic is best for treating H. pylori infection, especially if the first medications administered were ineffective.
Depending on what is discovered during the initial endoscopy or if symptoms persist following H. pylori infection treatment, this test may be repeated after treatment.
Testing considerations
Antibiotics can impair the accuracy of tests. In general, retesting is performed only after antibiotics have been discontinued for at least four weeks.
Acid-reducing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) might also impair the accuracy of these tests. Acid-suppressing medicines known as histamine (H-2) blockers may also impair the accuracy of these tests. Depending on the medications you're taking, you should try to avoid taking them for up to two weeks before the test. Your health care practitioner will provide you with precise drug instructions.
The same tests used to diagnose H. pylori infection can be used to determine if the infection is gone. If you have previously been diagnosed with H. pylori infection, you should wait at least four weeks after finishing your antibiotic treatment before repeating these tests.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR H. PYLORI INFECTION?
In most cases, H. pylori infections are treated with at least two different medicines at the same time. This helps to prevent germs from gaining resistance to a specific antibiotic.
Treatment may also involve drugs to aid in the healing of your stomach, such as:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications prevent the production of stomach acid. PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix).
- Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication, also known by the brand name Pepto-Bismol, works by covering the ulcer and protecting it from stomach acid.
- Histamine (H-2) blockers: These drugs inhibit the generation of acid by blocking histamine. Cimetidine is one such example (Tagamet HB). H-2 blockers are only used to treat H. pylori infection when PPIs are ineffective.
It is advisable to repeat H. pylori tests at least four weeks after your therapy. If the tests suggest that the medication was ineffective, you may require additional treatment with a different combination of antibiotics.
HOW CAN H. PYLORI INFECTION BE PREVENTED?
In areas where H. pylori infection and its repercussions are common, health care practitioners may screen healthy people for H. pylori. When there are no signs or symptoms of infection, experts vary on whether testing for H. pylori infection is effective.
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about H. pylori infection or believe you are at high risk of developing stomach cancer. You and your doctor can decide if H. pylori testing is required.