Introduction
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach. Approximately 50 percent of the world's population has been estimated to be infected. Many people have had the infection for a long time but do not know they are infected. Most of the time, H.pylori infection does not cause any problems or symptoms. Human beings acquire Helicobacter pylori infection through contact with food and water containing the fecal matter.
However, in some people, it can cause gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), ulcers on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, bleeding in the stomach or duodenum, and, rarely, stomach cancer. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the abdomen, early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, very dark or black stools, and excessive tiredness. H.pylori is thought to be transmitted from person to person through either fecal or oral route.
How to Diagnose Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
Several tests can be done to diagnose H.pylori infection.
-
Blood tests detect the antibody against the bacterium. A positive test means the body has been exposed to H.pylori at some point, but it does not necessarily mean one has an active infection.
-
Breath tests measure substances in the breath after one has been given a special liquid to drink to look for active infection. The drink will contain a special substance that Helicobacter pylori can break down.
-
Stool tests require a sample of the bowel movement to identify active infection.
-
A stomach biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue from the stomach lining. This is done during an endoscopy, where an instrument is inserted into the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestines to look for abnormalities.
Not all of these tests are required to make a diagnosis. The doctor will decide which tests the patient needs. Then, based on the results, treatment planning will be done.
Who Should Get Tested for Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
One should get tested for H.pylori infection if he or she has a history of stomach cancer or ulcers. Other unexplainable symptoms and signs that may warrant testing include
-
Unintentional weight loss.
-
Trouble swallowing.
-
Pain with swallowing.
-
Low iron levels.
-
Persistent vomiting.
-
Abdominal pain.
-
Dark-colored stools.
-
Persistent vomiting.
-
Loss of appetite.
If one does not have any of the symptoms mentioned above, getting tested is unnecessary. Testing is also generally not required, even if a family member is diagnosed with H.pylori infection.
How to Treat Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
H.pylori infection is treated with a combination of drugs. Most must take three or more medications for two weeks to eradicate the infection. Generally, two types of oral antibiotics are given because this bacteria is difficult to eradicate with a single antibiotic. A third medication called a proton pump inhibitor, is used to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach makes. This can help cure the infection and help ulcers heal. Sometimes, a fourth medication called Bismuth is added to the treatment regimen.
Treating this infection aims to help the ulcers heal, prevent recurrent ulcers from developing, minimize the risk of the ulcer worsening, prevent stomach cancer, and improve the symptoms. Taking the medications daily and not missing doses is very important. As one is taking several medications at the same time, it is expected the patient may have some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The doctor should be informed if one develops these symptoms while on treatment. Some of the treatment regimens are listed below:
-
Quadruple Therapy: Tetracycline, Metronidazole, Bismuth, and proton pump inhibitor.
-
Triple Therapy: Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, and proton pump inhibitor or Levofloxacin, Amoxicillin, and proton pump inhibitor.
What Is the Prognosis of H.pylori Infection?
Most people will be cured of the infection after completing treatment. Four weeks after one finishes treatment, a breath test, stool test, or stomach biopsy is required to confirm the eradication of the infection. The patient must stop taking certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-acid drugs, before doing some of these tests, as they can affect the results.
Unfortunately, about 20 percent of patients do not achieve successful eradication after an initial treatment. Therefore, a second course of treatment, using different antibiotics from the first course, is required. Suppose treatment is still unsuccessful after the second course. In that case, one may need to see a gastroenterologist and have an endoscopy to obtain samples from their stomach or intestines to try to grow the bacteria in the lab to determine which antibiotics will work against it.
It is advised to only try up to two courses of treatment with a specialist because the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics with each treatment course.
What Can Be Done to Prevent H. Pylori Infection Again in the Future?
To minimize the risk of getting infected again, try these strategies.
-
To prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, it is mandatory to wash hands after using the washroom and before preparing or eating food. Washing hands for 20 seconds is found useful.
-
Unclean food and water should be avoided. People living in areas containing uncontaminated water should be especially careful when using that water for cooking and other intimate purposes.
-
It is better to avoid food prepared or served by people who do not wash their hands.
-
It is recommended not to eat any uncooked or undercooked foods.
Does H.pylori Infection Cause Diarrhea?
H. pylori infection can result in gastritis and diarrhea even in infancy. Early eradication therapy can prevent this condition.
What Happens if H. Pylori Infection Is Left Untreated?
If an H. pylori infection is not treated, it can cause stomach ulcers, which can result in stomach cancer. The common symptoms of this condition are heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, frequent burping, bloating, severe weight loss, or loss of appetite.
Conclusion:
Helicobacter pylori infection affects children and adults equally, especially in developing and undeveloped countries. Though it might sound simple, it can cause adverse effects. Prevention is the best when it comes to H. Pylori infection. Following sanitary habits will help prevent the infection's effects. If a person gets infected, he or she can use the medical treatment available for a cure. Vaccines are not yet available for Helicobacter pylori infection.
