Definition:
H. pylori infection occurs when a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) thrives in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.
Diagnosis:
The doctor will use a noninvasive test to determine whether an H. pylori infection is present. If a test result is positive, the patient begin an antibiotic-based multiple-drug therapy to eradicate the bacteria.
Treatment:
Antibiotics such as combinations of clarothromycin-amoxicillin, metronidazole-amoxicllin, and metronidazole-tetracycline are mostly prescribed by doctors.
Symptoms and Signs:
The H. pylori bacterium releases toxins that may affect cells in the lining of the stomach or induce inflammation. Researchers are still in the process of investigating and characterizing exactly how these toxins work and how they lead to illnesses.
Although most cases of H. pylori infection produce no signs or symptoms, the toxic properties of the bacterium can result to disorders of the stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). Signs and symptoms linked with H. pylori infection can vary in severity and duration depending on which disorder is present.
Causes:
H. pylori bacteria enter the body through the mouth and pass into the digestive system. The stomach is generally a very hostile environment for many kinds of bacteria. But the H. pylori bacterium is particularly well-adapted for survival in the stomach. It gives out an enzyme that, through a series of biochemical processes, creates a low-acid buffer zone for itself.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
