Helicobacter pylori infection occurs due to a bacterium known as the Helicobacter Bacteria, which infects the lining of the stomach. It affects a large proportion of the world population.
For many people, the infection may show no symptoms and may not cause any complications. However, for some, it can cause severe stomach complications such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection
As mentioned earlier, a person with an H. pylori infection may not show symptoms of any kind. However, some of the symptoms that can be seen in a person suffering from this infection are:
Nausea
Weight loss
Bloating
Frequent burping
An ache or a burning sensation in the abdomen
Complications caused because of the H. pylori infection
Inflammation of the stomach lining and open sores or ulcers in the stomach and small intestine are some of the complications associated with a Helicobacter pylori infection. In severe cases, it can also lead to various types of stomach cancer such as the Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Several tests and procedures, such as the urea breath test, blood antigen test and stool test, help diagnose an H. pylori infection.
Treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection
A combination of medications is used to eliminate the H. pylori bacterium from the stomach. Antibiotic medications help eradicate the bacterium from the stomach, whereas proton pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole, omeprazole and rabeprazole are some of the prescription medications which help reduce the harmful acids in the stomach. Histamine blockers such as Nizatidine (Axid), Ranitidine (Zantac), Cametidine (Tagamet) and Famotidine (Pepcid) are some of the medications which also play a major part in reducing the release of harmful acids in the stomach.
As the saying goes, "prevention is the best cure". Hence, if you are suffering from any of the symptoms that characterize a helicobacter infection, it is advisable that you consult a doctor.
