Stomach Bacteria (H. pylori): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections in the world, affecting around half of the world's population. This spiral-shaped bacterium attacks the stomach lining, and it can also cause inflammation and serious peptic ulcers. Ultimately, the infection may develop into rare complications such as stomach cancer if it is not treated early.

Causes of H. pylori Infection

• Oral transmission: the bacterium is passed on through saliva or shared eating utensils such as cups and spoons. Infection rates also rise where health awareness is lacking.
• Eating contaminated food or drink: for example, eating unwashed vegetables can lead directly to infection.
• Poor handwashing: increases the likelihood of transmission, which is why handwashing is considered effective prevention.
• Poor sanitary conditions: the bacterium is more common in places that lack clean water; on the other hand, infection rates fall where hygiene standards are in place.

Symptoms

In many cases no symptoms appear, whereas when the infection worsens the patient may notice the following:

1. Recurrent stomach pain or burning, especially when the stomach is empty.
2. Bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness.
3. Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
4. Loss of appetite with gradual weight loss.
5. Frequent belching and bad breath.
6. More serious problems such as ulcers or rare tumours; the condition may also worsen if treatment is neglected.

Diagnostic Methods

H. pylori is diagnosed through several tests, and the doctor may recommend more than one test to confirm it, such as:

• Endoscopy: allows a biopsy to be taken from the stomach for examination.
• Breath test: the most accurate and best-known test for detecting the bacterium.
• Blood test: to detect antibodies.
• Stool test: detects the presence of the bacterium directly.
• Endoscopy: allows a biopsy to be taken from the stomach, which is how the diagnosis is definitively confirmed.

Treating H. pylori

Treatment aims to eliminate the bacterium and protect the stomach from complications. It usually includes:

1. Antibiotics: usually a combination of two or three drugs.
2. Antacids: relieve pain and speed up healing of the stomach lining.
3. Dietary changes: avoiding fatty and fried foods and fizzy drinks, while focusing on fruit and vegetables.
4. Medical follow-up: for later tests to confirm that the bacterium has gone.

Prevention

• Wash your hands well before eating and after using the toilet.
• Drink clean, safe water.
• Stay away from undercooked food.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils and personal hygiene items.

For more information, you can visit the page of the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization on H. pylori screening and treatment strategies.

H. pylori is a common infection, but it can be controlled if it is diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, when symptoms appear, it is advisable to see a specialist doctor promptly.

For reassurance about your health and an accurate diagnosis of H. pylori, you can book an appointment with Dr. Mahmoud Shehata, general practitioner and hijama specialist, at Al Mahmoud Elite Medical Center, part of Almahmoud Medical Group in Doha, Qatar.