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Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacteria that infects the stomach lining, causing:
✔ Chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation)
✔ Peptic ulcers (stomach/duodenal ulcers)
✔ Increased risk of stomach cancer in some cases

How Do You Get H. pylori?

The infection is very common (affects ~50% of people worldwide) and spreads through:
✅ Contaminated food/water
✅ Close contact (kissing, sharing utensils)
✅ Poor hygiene (not washing hands)

Most infections occur in childhood and persist if untreated.

Symptoms of H. pylori Infection

Burning stomach pain (worse on an empty stomach)
Frequent bloating & nausea
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Dark stools (if ulcers bleed)

⚠️ Many people have NO symptoms but still develop complications.

Diagnosis: How is H. pylori Detected?

Test	How It Works	Best For
Urea Breath Test	Detects bacterial byproducts in breath	Non-invasive, accurate
Stool Antigen Test	Checks for H. pylori in stool	Easy for children
Endoscopy + Biopsy	Examines stomach lining directly	Severe cases, cancer screening

Treatment: Eradicating H. pylori

1. Antibiotic Therapy (Triple or Quadruple Therapy)

2 antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin)
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (reduces stomach acid)
Bismuth subsalicylate (in some regimens)

2. Follow-Up Testing

Repeat breath/stool test 4 weeks after treatment
Second-line therapy if first fails (due to antibiotic resistance)

Possible Complications If Untreated

❌ Chronic ulcers (bleeding, perforation risk)
❌ Stomach cancer (1–3% of cases)
❌ Vitamin B12 deficiency (due to poor absorption)

Prevention Tips

✔ Wash hands before eating
✔ Drink clean water (avoid untreated sources)
✔ Avoid sharing food/drinks with infected individuals

FAQs About H. pylori

Q: Is H. pylori contagious?

A: Yes—it spreads through saliva, vomit, or stool.

Q: Can diet help fight H. pylori?

A: Probiotics (yogurt, kefir) may support treatment, but antibiotics are essential.

Q: Does H. pylori always cause ulcers?

A: No—only ~10–20% develop ulcers.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if you have:
🔹 Persistent stomach pain
🔹 Black/tarry stools (sign of bleeding)
🔹 Unexplained weight loss

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