( H. Pylori Infection)
Definition
Definition
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines. It can lead to:
- Gastritis—inflammation of the stomach lining
- Ulcers
- Stomach cancer
Gastric UlcerCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
This condition occurs when an infected person passes the bacteria to someone else. The bacteria are spread through:
- Fecal-oral contact
- Oral-oral contact
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of H. pylori infection include being in:
- Close contact with an infected person
- A crowded and unsanitary living environment
Symptoms
Symptoms
In most cases, there are not any symptoms. However, if someone develops an ulcer or gastritis, symptoms may include:
-
Abdominal pain that may:
- Awaken you from sleep
- Change when you eat
- Last for a few minutes or several hours
- Feel like unusually strong hunger pangs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Burping
- Vomiting blood
- Lightheadedness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Stool test
- Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down your throat to look inside your stomach and to take tissue samples for testing
- Urea breath test—a test that can help detect if there is a current infection
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection
- H-2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antacids
Prevention
Prevention
To reduce your chances of getting H. pylori infection, take these steps:
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Drink water from a safe source.
- Do not smoke. Smoking increases the chance of getting an ulcer.
RESOURCES:
The American College of Gastroenterology http://patients.gi.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/files/hpfacts.PDF
Accessed April 12, 2011.
Helicobacter pyloriinfection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 29, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Travelers health helicobacter pylori. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/helicobacter-pylori
Updated July 1, 2011. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Weyermann M, Rothenbacher D, Brenner H. Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection in early childhood: independent contributions of infected mothers, fathers, and siblings. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104(1):182-189.
9/22/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Fuccio L, Zagari RM, et al. Meta-analysis: CanHelicobacter pylori eradication treatment reduce the risk for gastric cancer? Ann Intern Med. 200921;151(2):121-128.
Last Updated: 9/22/2014