H Pylori- Important Information

H. pylori also referred to as Helicobacter pylori is a kind of bacteria present in

the stomach. This type of bacteria is responsible for infecting over 50% of the global population with the h pylori infection. Most of the individuals infected with h pylori often have no visible symptoms.

The helicobacter pylori infection causes inflammation of the duodenum and the stomach. This set of bacteria can even withstand the stomachs acidic environment. H pylori is also the chief contributor to gastritis and gastric ulcers. About ten percent of those that are infected by the h pylori also develop gastric ulcers. Individuals with h pylori infection also have a higher chance of developing lymphoma and stomach cancer. However an interesting fact about the h pylori bacteria is that it can decrease the risk of getting an esophageal cancer and even the chances of developing allergies and asthma.

Recent studies reveal that the helicobacter pylori bacteria is most prevalent in the third world countries. It is seen that the rate of h pylori infection decreases in the population when the economic condition improves. At present, the rate of h pylori infection in the United States ranges between 20-30 percent. However, the incidence of the infection is higher among the elderly, along with the African Americans and the Hispanic population in the country.

Causes of the Infection

While scientists have not been able to pin point how this infection spreads, it is believed that personal hygiene is the main cause. Most individuals usually get infected in their childhood. The infection is transmitted by fecal contamination and by saliva. This is probably why the rate of h pylori infection is higher in areas where the condition of living is poor, with poor sanitation, over crowded living spaces, unavailability of clean water.

The reason some of the individuals infected with this bacteria do no show any signs and symptoms because the helicobacter pylori bacteria usually tunnels through the protective linings of the stomach and attaches itself to the deeper stomach layers. Here the bacteria can continue living in a dormant stage without showing any symptoms of the infection.

H pylori Symptoms

In most cases, the individuals affected by the infection show no symptoms. Nonetheless, those that do show the symptoms of the h pylori infection are those that have developed ulcers and gastritis. The characteristics of these include: loss of appetite, pain in the upper abdominal region, and nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, the individuals may also experience bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

The treatment for the h pylori infection includes multiple steps. But the primary steps ensure the total eradication of the h pylori bacteria as well as decrease the secretion of acid in the stomach of the infected individual. The treatment also focuses in removing the risk factors involved in causing any further irritation in the stomach.

by: Jenny Birkin

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