Helicobacter pylori, or H pylori, is a stomach infecting bacteria. It’s estimated to be causing an infection in half of all human stomachs of the world. And most of these individuals are not aware this pathogen is present because they have no symptoms.
Helicobacter pylori infection is a frequent cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Some experts even classify it as a carcinogen because it’s believed to be involved in causing stomach cancer (adenocarcinoma) and lymphoma.
H. pylori causes stomach problems by producing toxins that instigate an immune system response, both of which can inflame or result in damage to your stomach’s lining. This damage offers an exposure point to further destruction by stomach acid. Why only some experience these problems while others do not is not fully understood.
Helicobacter pylori is contagious, but how it’s spread isn’t totally clear. One likely transmission is via direct contact with contaminated stools, vomit, food or water. Also, H. pylori is in the saliva of some, so contact with this bodily fluid is believed to be another source of dissemination.
Although most with H pylori infection never seem to have symptoms, those that do may suffer:
- nausea
- burping
- bloating
- vomiting
- dyspepsia
- indigestion
- weight loss
- fullness feeling
- burning stomach pain
You need to seek health care attention if your symptoms include bloody stools, hematemesis or persistently severe abdominal pain.
H. pylori treatment usually requires taking a dual combination of antibiotics. And a proton pump inhibitor and H2 blocker are typically prescribed to treat this stomach issue because they suppress acid, which assists in healing.
Although most ulcer related symptoms are caused by H. pylori infection, aspirin and certain other drugs can cause stomach lining damage too.