Carenotes > Heliobacter Pylori

Heliobacter Pylori

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is Helicobacter pylori infection?

• Helicobacter (hel-i-ko-BAK-ter) pylori (pi-LO-ri) infection is a condition caused by a bacteria (germ) called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. This infection usually occurs in childhood and may persist in the stomach for many years. A person may be a carrier of H. pylori bacteria, but may not become sick or show any symptoms. H. pylori are commonly found in the digestive organs where they may increase in number and produce toxins (poisonous substances). The body may try to fight the infection and get rid of H. pylori by making more acid. Overtime, this condition may cause inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the stomach and duodenum (small bowel). H. pylori may weaken the protective layer of the stomach and allow acids to seep in. This may damage the underlying stomach cells and lead to formation of ulcers (sores or holes).
  
  
• The stomach and the duodenum are part of the digestive system where food is broken down. The stomach produces strong acids (juices) needed to break down food before it enters the small bowel. The lining of the stomach is covered by a thick protective layer. This prevents the acid from injuring the wall of the stomach. Connected below the stomach is the duodenum, which is the first part of the small bowel.

What causes H. pylori infection? Caregivers do not understand exactly how you get an H. pylori infection. You may get an H. pylori infection when you eat food or drink water that contains H. pylori bacteria. The bacteria may have come from someone who is infected with H. pylori. It may also be spread by simply touching contaminated hands, stool, saliva (spit), or vomit (throw up).

What increases my risk of getting an H. pylori infection? The following factors may increase your risk of getting H. pylori infection:

• Dirty water: Drinking water that is dirty or not purified.
  
  
• Environment: Crowded living conditions with a big family size, or centers for mentally and physically handicapped persons, orphanages, or nursing homes.
  
  
• Malnutrition: Diet that lacks vitamins or high in salts.
  
  
• Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene practices including not washing the hands after using the toilet or when preparing food. Sharing used utensils or having a parent chew food for a child may also increase your risk.
  
  
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Alcohol is found in beer, wine, liquor (such as vodka or whiskey), and other adult drinks.

What are the signs and symptoms of an H. pylori infection? An H. pylori infection does not usually cause symptoms in its early stages. The infection may have swollen or damaged the stomach by the time you have symptoms. If symptoms occur early, you may have a burning feeling or pain in your upper abdomen (stomach). This may occur 1 to 3 hours after eating or when you are hungry. The pain may wake you up from sleep and may come and go for weeks to months. It may be relieved by eating or taking antacid medicine. Other signs may be nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), burping, poor appetite, or weight loss. Ulcers may cause bleeding, which can make your bowel movements (stool or BM) have a red or black color.

How is an H. pylori infection diagnosed? You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood, urine, and saliva tests: Many different tests may be done with your blood, urine, and saliva. These may include checking for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. Antibodies are substances that fight an infection.
  
  
• Endoscopy: This test uses a scope to see the inside of your digestive tract. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light on the end of it. A camera may be hooked to the scope to take pictures. During an endoscopy, caregivers may find problems with how your digestive tract is working. Samples may be taken from your digestive tract and sent to a lab for tests. Small tumors may be removed, and bleeding may be treated during an endoscopy.
  
  
• Stool exam: This test may be needed to detect H. pylori infection in your BM. A sample of your stool is sent to the lab to check for the presence of H. pylori antigen. An antigen is a substance that causes your body to produce antibodies.
  
  
• Urea breath test: This test helps diagnose and monitor your H. pylori infection. You will need to drink a special liquid. Then you will blow air into a bag or balloon. A sample of your breath is then checked to see if you have an H. pylori infection.

How is an H. pylori infection treated?

• Medicines: You may have one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Antacids: You may need antacids to decrease stomach acid.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
    
    
  • Antiulcer medicine: This medicine helps decrease the amount of acid that the stomach makes. When taken by mouth, it should not be taken at the same time as antacids. This medicine may not work as well when taken at the same time as antacids.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed if ulcers form in your stomach or duodenum with bleeding or perforation (holes).

With treatment, such as medicines, an H. pylori infection may be cured and serious problems, such as ulcers, may be prevented.

What problems can an H. pylori infection cause? An H. pylori infection may cause one on more of the following diseases:

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It may occur suddenly or may last for a long time.
  
  
• Peptic ulcer: A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. Peptic ulcers may have different names depending on their location. Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers in the duodenum (smalll bowel).
  
  
• Cancer: Having an H. pylori infection may increase your risk of getting stomach cancer or lymphoma.

Where can I find more information? Having Helicobacter pylori infection may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have an H. pylori infection may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1-800-8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page