Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)

Overview:

Helicobacter Pylori (abbreviated H. Pylori) bacteria are present in approximately 50% of the world's population, according to the Center for Disease Control. While its presence is not an issue for many individuals producing no signs or symptoms, for some it can cause a number of problems and complications, such as ulcers and even stomach cancer. Symptoms that you may have experience due to H. Pylori infection are burning or aching in the stomach/abdominal region, bloating, nausea/vomiting, persistent belching, and weight loss.

Causes:

H. Pylori bacteria pass from the saliva directly into the digestive system. It is primarily transmitted from person to person through direct contact with either saliva or fecal matter. Despite the acidity of the stomach Helicobacter Pylori are adapted to the environment.

Diagnosis:

A variety of tests may be performed by your gastroenterologist in order diagnose Helicobacter Pylori infection. Blood and stool tests can detect presence of the foreign antigens associated with H. Pylori. A breath test may also be employed which allows detection to occur upon exhalation after a certain carbon solution is ingested. An endoscopy might also be used to inspect the upper digestive tract and take a biopsy to test for H. Pylori.

Treatment:

As with gastritis, a combination of medications may be used to help eliminate the Helicobacter Pylori infection. Antibiotics combined with acid-reducing, or acid-blocking medications can be very effective treatment methods. Your gastroenterologist will likely want to perform follow-up tests after treatment to ensure that it was successful.

How Associates in Gastroenterology can help:

The physicians and staff of Associates in Gastroenterology are experts in the field of gastroenterology with many years of experience in upper and lower gastrointestinal procedural care. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please call us. If they are persistent, or have occurred periodically over a long period of time, it could be a serious condition which requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. We are here to help!