What is Helicobacter pylori? How does it spread?

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There’s been a lot of discussion about bacteria lately Helicobacter pylorisurprisingly, this results in More than 3,000 people die every year in Chile and a 70% of the country’s population suffers from this disease. However, not many people know what it is and why it occurs.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

As MedlinePlus explains, Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) Yes Types of bacteria that infect the stomach. Is a very common infection Affecting approximately two-thirds of the world’s population. this Helicobacter pylori It is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. However, the infection does not cause problems for most people.

What are the symptoms?

About 10% to 15% of people infected with H. pylori develop peptic ulcer disease.Small ulcers may not cause Asymptomatic. Although in some cases they can cause heavy bleeding.

One of the most common symptoms is Abdominal pain or burning sensation. The pain may be more severe on an empty stomach, but this varies from person to person. Some have no pain.

Other symptoms include:

• Feeling full or bloated and not being able to drink as much fluid as usual.
• Feelings of hunger and fasting usually occur 1 to 3 hours after eating.
• Mild nausea can be relieved by vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Involuntary weight loss.
• Hiccups.
• Bloody, dark or tarry stools, or bloody vomit.

Possible complications of the disease:

• peptic ulcer disease
• chronic inflammation
• Stomach and upper intestinal ulcers
• stomach cancer
• Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma
• severe blood loss
• Healing ulcers can make it difficult for the stomach to empty
• Perforations or holes in the stomach and intestines

How does it spread?

bacteria Helicobacter pylori It spreads mainly from person to person., and usually occurs in childhood.If the infection is not treated Lifetime retention.

It’s unclear how the bacteria is spread. From one person to another.

The disease can be spread by:

• word of mouth contact
• Gastrointestinal disorders (especially if you vomit)
• Contact with feces (excrement)
• Contaminated food and water

What are the treatments for Helicobacter pylori?

Fortunately, There are many treatments for Helicobacter pyloriwhich can be given to help ulcers heal and reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence, according to MedlinePlus drug for:

• Kill bacteria Helicobacter pylori (if it exists)
• Reduce stomach acid levels

Standard treatment includes varying combinations of the following medications for 10 to 14 days:

• Antibiotics kill Helicobacter pylori
• Proton pump inhibitors help reduce stomach acid
• Added bismuth (the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) helps kill bacteria

When should I contact my doctor?

Experts say sudden onset of severe symptoms may indicate Intestinal obstruction,A perforation or bleeding, These are emergencies.. Symptoms may include:

• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Severe vomiting, which may be blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (a sign of severe bleeding) or entire stomach contents (a sign of intestinal obstruction)
• Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting or signs of bleeding

If you have any of these symptoms, You must go to the emergency room immediately.