Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-, or helical-, shaped bacterium which infects the stomach and causes a variety of different illnesses and related symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, H. pylori infects up to two-thirds of the world's population and is the leading cause of stomach and upper intestinal ulcers.
Helicobacter pylori Infection
H. pylori bacteria colonize and grow in the mucous that coats the inner lining of the stomach. They are most likely transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as by person-to-person contact in some cases. The body reacts to this infection by attacking the bacteria with inflammatory cells and the production of antibodies. Disruption of the mucous coating and inflammation can both lead to damage of the stomach lining and a wide variety of resulting symptoms.
Gastritis
MayoClinic.com states that most people with H. pylori infection are symptom free. Other people will develop symptomatic gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, without an ulcer. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, bloating, poor appetite, weight loss, nausea and possibly vomiting. Pain may be brief or last up to several hours and be most noticeable when the stomach is empty. Eating something or taking antacids may temporarily relieve some symptoms.
Ulcers
H. pylori accounts for approximately 80 percent of all stomach ulcers according to the CDC, and nearly 90 percent of duodenal ulcers. Ulcer symptoms can be very similar to those of gastritis. Pain, nausea or vomiting can occur, and again may be temporarily relieved by eating or antacids.
More serious symptoms include bleeding, which over time can result in anemia and fatigue. Blood may appear in vomit or stools when bleeding is more active. Deep ulcers can perforate through the wall of the stomach or block food from leaving the stomach, causing more severe and prolonged pain. A doctor should be contacted immediately if any of these serious symptoms occur.
Tumors
Long term infections with H. pylori have been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer and specific types of lymphoma. These may be detected during evaluation for H. pylori infection, associated with some or all of the symptoms discussed, or as a mass in the upper abdomen.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Several testing methods are available for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Blood tests to detect antibodies, the urea breath test, stool testing and endoscopy with biopsy are all possible options. Only diagnosed patients with symptoms are generally treated, given the widespread nature of H. pylori infection. The primary goal of treatment is eradication of the bacteria, with resolution of inflammation and ulcer healing. The American College of Gastroenterology reports successful treatment rates of up to 80 to 95 percent with certain antibiotic combinations.
