Helicobacter Pylori Infections

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is found in about two-thirds of the world's population. It may be spread by unclean food and water, but researchers aren't sure. It causes Peptic ulcers and can also cause stomach cancer.

If you have symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will test your blood, breath or stool to see if it contains H. pylori. The best treatment is a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines. You will need to be tested after treatment to make sure the infection is gone.

To help prevent an H. pylori infection, you should

  • Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating
  • Eat properly prepared food
  • Drink water from a clean, safe source

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following features are indicative of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • burning stomach pain
  • feeling of fullness, bloating
  • fatty food intolerance
  • heartburn
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • frequent burping
  • unintentional weight loss
  • difficulty swallowing
  • bloody or black tarry stools
It is possible that Helicobacter Pylori Infections shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following are the most common causes of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • helicobacter pylori bacteria

Risk Factors for Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • living in crowded conditions
  • living without a reliable supply of clean water
  • living in a developing country where crowded and unsanitary living conditions may be more common
  • living with someone who has an H. pylori infection

Prevention of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Helicobacter Pylori Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • protect yourself from infections
  • use caution when using pain relievers

Occurrence of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Helicobacter Pylori Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Helicobacter Pylori Infections can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Helicobacter Pylori Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • Physical Exam: To diagnose the peptic ulcer and detect bloating in your abdomen
  • Blood test: To determine if the results fall within the normal range for different disorders or infections
  • Urea breath test: To check the levels of carbon dioxide in your stomach or small intestine
  • Stool test: To detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy: To view inside your upper gastrointestinal tract
  • Upper gastrointestinal series: To view the shape of your upper gastrointestinal tract
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan: To diagnose the peptic ulcer

Doctor for Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • Gastroenterologist
  • Surgeon

Complications of Helicobacter Pylori Infections if untreated

Yes, Helicobacter Pylori Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Helicobacter Pylori Infections is left untreated:
  • internal bleeding
  • infection
  • scarring
  • gastritis
  • stomach cancer

Procedures for Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following procedures are used to treat Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • Surgery: To treat the bleeding ulcers

Self-care for Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • Choose a healthy diet: Provides relief from the pain of a stomach ulcer
  • Control stress: Prevents the worsening the signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer
  • Don't smoke: Lowers the stomach acid
  • Avoid alcohol: Prevents the inflammation and bleeding of the mucous lining in your stomach and intestines
  • Try to get enough sleep: Reduces the stress

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Helicobacter Pylori Infections:
  • Do meditation and deep breathing: Eases stress that can worsen spasms
  • Yoga: Helps in relaxation
  • Stretching or massage: Eases muscle pain

Patient Support for Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

The following actions may help Helicobacter Pylori Infections patients:
  • Join eradication programs: Helps in eradicating the Helicobacter pylori infection

Time for Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infections

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Helicobacter Pylori Infections to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 4 weeks

Is Helicobacter Pylori Infections Infectious?

Yes, Helicobacter Pylori Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • human saliva
  • food
  • vomit or fecal matter

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 6/20/2019.
This page provides information for Helicobacter Pylori Infections.

Related Topics

Peptic Ulcer
Stomach Cancer

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