Most persons can probably attest to feelings of stomach pain, upset stomach, and nausea or vomiting at some time in their life. Often times it typically can be associated to an acute virus, acid reflux or certain foods, but are there times it might turn out to be something more?
The bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori is a potential symptomatic infection that can attack the lining of your stomach. It is actually very common, yet most people show no signs or symptoms of the infection. What many people probably don’t know is that it is the main cause of stomach ulcers. When the lining of the stomach is weakened there is risk for inflammation and damage by our own digestive fluids that can lead to sores and ulcers. The patient is then likely to experience symptoms such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting. It is not well known how a person contracts H. Pylori but is thought to likely occur in childhood from oral contact, but may also be contracted from contaminated food or water.
Age is the greatest risk factor for development of symptomatic H. Pylori infection with over half of those testing positive in the U.S. are over age 50.
Patients are most commonly tested for H. Pylori through a breath test used to detect carbon molecules. Some patients may be found to have positive H. Pylori after a procedure known as an endoscopy where a camera is used to look into the stomach and a small tissue sample can be collected and sent off for testing.
Treatment for the infection is typically a combination of antibiotics and medicines that reduce the acid in the stomach such as H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibiters.
So if you think you may be experiencing concerning symptoms for a stomach ulcer that could potentially be caused by Helicobacter Pylori schedule an appointment with your provider for assessment and possible testing.
