What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori?

A very common cause of abdominal pain and gastritis is the bacteria of the species Helicobacter pylori. It thrives remarkably well in the rather acidic environment of gastric juice. Many people are unaware they are infected because the infection is asymptomatic in approximately 70% of people. The remaining population often complains of numerous symptoms. What are the causes? What symptoms does Helicobacter pylori produce? Helicobacter pylori infection can cause ulcers, and infection with this bacterium can lead to many gastrointestinal diseases, which is why it is important to remember diagnostics and treatment. The presence of Helicobacter pylori can be dangerous.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

It occurs in the gastric mucosa and can have a spiral shape. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes inflammation or chronic gastritis. It persists in the hydrochloric acid of the stomach. This can be a serious inconvenience. These bacteria change the pH of the stomach to alkaline. Furthermore, they produce toxins that also have a negative impact on the upper gastrointestinal tract. It produces ammonia as well as "urease," which breaks down urea into carbon dioxide. Consequence of Helicobacter pylori infection can include stomach and duodenal ulcer disease, and it is also associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Helicobacter pylori - how does infection occur?

The presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a problem for humans. How does infection occur? Very often, it happens through the gastrointestinal route. The bacterium can be contracted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with an infected person. Main factors can include poor economic and housing conditions, as well as genetic or racial predispositions. Infection can also occur through saliva during kissing or drinking from the same bottle. In many countries, carriers make up as much as 90-100% of the population (developing countries); in Europe, it is about 20-40%.

Helicobacter pylori - symptoms

Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection include abdominal pain, usually in the upper left part of the stomach. Other symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection may include bloating, diarrhea, low-grade fever, gastric ulcer disease, belching, loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. If the infection is not treated, it can lead to the formation of gastric or duodenal ulcers.

Helicobacter pylori - treatment

For diagnostic purposes, it is worth undergoing a breath test (urea), which is painless. It can also be detected through a gastroscopic examination, specifically the urease test (mucosal biopsy), serological tests (antibody test), or through stool analysis. A good method is also medical therapy (proton pump inhibitors). How to treat Helicobacter pylori? The best way to treat Helicobacter pylori is a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs. Antibiotic eradication kills the bacteria, while drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion reduce its amount. This combination is more effective than either action alone. However, it is worth seeing a doctor or consulting a doctor online. We should not ignore gastrointestinal complaints.