About a common stomach infection that sometimes remains asymptomatic for years

If there are warning signs or the doctor considers it necessary to directly examine the stomach for other reasons, an endoscopy and sampling may be performed. The choice of test depends on the person's age, symptoms, medical history and condition.

Safir Arjan- Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can live in the inner lining of the stomach and remain asymptomatic in many people. However, in some people, this infection causes inflammation of the stomach and ulcers of the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine, and in the long run, it can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce the possibility of complications.

How does Helicobacter pylori damage the stomach?

This bacterium settles in the inner lining of the stomach with mechanisms that help it survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. Its presence can cause chronic inflammation and in some people it can lead to the damage of the protective lining of the stomach and the formation of ulcers.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer; The part of the small intestine that is immediately behind the stomach. Long-term infection is also associated with an increased risk of some types of stomach cancer, but most infected people never develop cancer.

This bacterium is common all over the world and its infection often starts in childhood. Transmission probably occurs through contact with the oral secretions or feces of an infected person, as well as contaminated water and food. Access to safe water, sanitary disposal of sewage and hand hygiene can reduce the risk of transmission.

Many people with Helicobacter pylori have no symptoms. In case of inflammation or wound, the following symptoms may be observed:

Pain or burning in the upper abdomen

These symptoms are not specific to Helicobacter pylori and may be caused by other reasons. Therefore, it is not possible to diagnose the infection based on symptoms alone.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Stomach ulcers sometimes cause bleeding or serious complications. Vomiting blood or coffee grounds, black tarry stools, sudden and severe abdominal pain, severe dizziness or fainting are symptoms that require immediate medical evaluation.

How is the infection diagnosed?

To diagnose Helicobacter pylori, urea breath test or bacterial antigen test in stool is usually used. A blood test can show a history of exposure to the bacteria in some situations, but it doesn't always distinguish an active infection from a past infection.

How is Helicobacter pylori treated?

Treatment usually includes a combination of several medications: antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stomach acid-reducing medications to help heal inflammation and ulcers. The type of drugs and the duration of treatment depend on the patient's condition, history of antibiotic use and microbial resistance. Many treatment regimens last 14 days.

Medicines should be taken according to the prescription. Arbitrary selection of antibiotics or premature discontinuation of treatment can increase the probability of treatment failure and microbial resistance.

After the treatment is finished, it is usually necessary to check with a breath test or a stool test that the bacteria is gone. This test is generally performed at least four weeks after the end of antibiotics, and it may be necessary to stop acid-reducing drugs for a while before the test, with the doctor's guidance.

There is no way to definitively prevent Helicobacter pylori, but following a few hygiene tips can reduce the risk of transmission:

Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.

Use safe drinking water.

Prepare and cook food in a hygienic manner.

In areas where water and food hygiene is a problem, avoid consuming water and questionable foods.

Stress and spicy foods are not the cause of Helicobacter pylori infection, although they may aggravate digestive discomfort in some people.

Medical warning: Stomach pain or burning alone does not mean that you have Helicobacter pylori. If the symptoms persist, see a doctor to check the cause and avoid self-administration of antibiotics. Get medical help immediately if you vomit blood, have black tarry stools, or have sudden, severe abdominal pain.