Did you know that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial infection that leads to stomach cancer if left untreated? This infection affects the stomach lining and causes sores and inflammation in the stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. It doesn’t cause any symptoms in some cases, but in others, it can lead to severe conditions like peptic ulcers or stomach cancer. Learn about H. pylori’s causes, symptoms, and diagnosis in this article. Talk to a specialist for infectious diseases if you have any concerns.

Causes

It’s not known exactly how H. pylori infections spread, but it’s believed the bacteria has coexisted with humans for thousands of years. The common ways that this infection may transmitted are:

• Oral to oral: This is the common way to transmit bacteria through saliva from one person’s mouth to another, such as by kissing.
• Fecal to oral: If you come into contact with vomit or stool, you don’t wash your hands properly after using the bathroom.
• Contaminated water and food: Food and water, if contaminated with feces or other bacteria in unhygienic environments, can spread infection.

Risk factors

People often get this infection during childhood. Other risk factors depend on the living conditions in your childhood, including:

• Living in crowded situations: You live in a home with many people, and this increases the risk of H. pylori infection.
• Living without a clean, reliable source of water: Not having a reliable supply of clean, running water can increase the risk of this infection.
• Living in a developing country: People who live in developing countries are at higher risk of H. pylori infection because they may need to live in crowded and unsanitary living conditions.
• Living with someone who has an H. pylori infection: You’re more likely to get infected if you live with someone who has already been infected.

Symptoms

Generally, most people don’t experience any symptoms. However, some people may develop other conditions with this infection, including gastritis and peptic ulcers. This happens because the bacteria could damage the inner protective lining of the stomach. You may experience symptoms of peptic ulcer from H. pylori, including:

• Dull or burning stomach pain
• Feeling full even when you start to eat
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Burping
• Unexplained weight loss

Although rare, H. pylori infections may increase the risk of stomach cancer due to chronic inflammation caused by the infection. You may experience symptoms of stomach cancer, including:

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Indigestion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Poor appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Discomfort or swelling in the abdomen
• Fatigue

Keep in mind that many symptoms of stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, and other diseases are linked with H. Pylori and can be caused by other issues. So, if you experience any symptoms you’re worried about, talk with a doctor.

Diagnosis

Doctors generally conduct a blood test to see if H. pylori antibodies are present in a person’s blood. However, antibodies can last in the body even after the infection is gone, so this may not be the best way to test for an active infection. Other ways to test for H. pylori infection are:

• Urea breath test (UBT): In this test, the patient needs to give a sample of their breath before and after swallowing a capsule containing urea. This test allows the doctor to check the bacteria in the stomach.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is used to find the infection along with other related conditions like ulcers or stomach cancer.
• Stool test: A stool sample is taken to check if the person has antigens for the bacteria on their stool, which tells the doctor whether that person has an active infection or not.

These tests must be conducted after one month off of antibiotics and 2 weeks off from proton pump inhibitors (PPI) to ensure the most reliable results.

When to see a doctor

You should call the doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bloody, dark red, or black poop.
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pale skin
• Vomit that is bloody, black, or looks like coffee grounds
• Severe, sharp stomach pain

1. pylori is a bacterial infection that affects the stomach lining. Most people don’t experience any symptoms, but some people develop severe complications like stomach ulcers. In rare cases, it may develop into stomach cancer. That’s why you should be aware of the symptoms that H. Pylori-related conditions to get timely treatment. Your doctor performs a proper diagnosis and gets a treatment plan that is best for you.

Need help with H. pylori infection, visit our infectious disease specialists in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now and ensure your stomach stays healthy!!!!

Visit our team of Specialists for infectious diseases at Doral Health & Wellness on 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. Call us on 13473845690 to get a consultation from our clinic or log on to https://doralhw.org/.