Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a common type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. This bacterium is widespread globally, with an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population carrying it. While many individuals harbor H. pylori without experiencing any symptoms or problems, it has the potential to cause various digestive issues.
How H. Pylori Affects the Stomach
H. pylori primarily affects the stomach by weakening its protective mucous lining, which then allows stomach acid to irritate the sensitive tissue beneath. This irritation often leads to chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, a condition known as gastritis. The ongoing inflammation can contribute to discomfort.
Beyond gastritis, H. pylori is a major cause of peptic ulcers, which are open sores that develop in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers commonly present with symptoms such as a dull or burning pain in the upper abdomen, which might worsen when the stomach is empty or improve after eating. Other common symptoms include bloating, nausea, frequent burping, and indigestion. While uncomfortable, these are not typically immediately life-threatening for most individuals.
When H. Pylori Becomes Dangerous
While many H. pylori infections remain asymptomatic or cause manageable issues, long-term infection can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. A serious risk is the development of gastric cancer, specifically gastric adenocarcinoma. H. pylori infection is recognized as a significant risk factor for this type of stomach cancer, although only a small percentage of infected individuals will develop it. The chronic inflammation induced by the bacteria can cause changes in the stomach lining that, over many years, may progress to cancerous growth.
Another serious complication is Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach, a specific type of cancer that originates in the stomach’s lymphatic tissue. This condition has a strong association with H. pylori infection, and in many cases, eradicating the bacteria can lead to the regression of the lymphoma. The persistent immune response to the bacteria is thought to play a role in the development of this specific cancer.
Peptic ulcers, if left untreated, can also lead to dangerous complications. Severe bleeding can occur when an ulcer erodes into a blood vessel in the stomach or duodenum. This internal bleeding can manifest as dark, tarry stools or vomiting blood that may appear red or black, similar to coffee grounds. Significant blood loss can lead to anemia or, in severe cases, hypovolemic shock.
Another complication is perforation, where an ulcer creates a hole through the wall of the stomach or small intestine. This allows digestive contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, a life-threatening infection requiring immediate surgery.
Detecting and Eliminating H. Pylori
Diagnosing H. pylori infection involves several methods to identify the presence of the bacteria. Non-invasive tests include the urea breath test, which detects carbon dioxide produced by the bacteria after consuming a special solution, and the stool antigen test, which looks for H. pylori proteins in a stool sample.
More invasive diagnostic methods include endoscopy with biopsy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach and duodenum. During this procedure, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken from the stomach lining and examined under a microscope for the presence of H. pylori, or used for rapid urease tests. This method also allows direct visualization of any ulcers or inflammation.
Once an H. pylori infection is confirmed, treatment typically involves a combination therapy to effectively eradicate the bacteria. This usually includes two different antibiotics to target the bacteria and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The PPI helps reduce stomach acid, which allows the stomach lining to heal and makes the antibiotics more effective. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed medication, often lasting 10 to 14 days, to ensure successful eradication and prevent recurrence or complications. Follow-up testing, often a urea breath test or stool antigen test, is performed several weeks after treatment to confirm that the bacteria have been eliminated.
Reducing Your Risk
While H. pylori is common, certain practices can help reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating, helps reduce risk. Ensuring that food and water sources are safe and clean also helps prevent the spread of the bacteria. H. pylori can spread through contaminated food or water, as well as through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, including saliva or stool.
If you experience persistent or severe digestive symptoms, such as ongoing abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, frequent nausea, vomiting (especially if it contains blood or looks like coffee grounds), or dark, tarry stools, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms could indicate an H. pylori infection or other underlying digestive issues that require diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and appropriate management can help prevent the development of more serious complications.