Helicobacter Pylori Specialist

How do you get Helicobacter pylori?

The experts believe that H. pylori infections spread when the bacteria is transferred from feces to the mouth. This problem develops when a person doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom. It can also spread through water or food that’s contaminated with the bacteria.

You may pick up H. pylori by coming into contact with saliva or other body fluids of people infected with the bacteria.

Which gastrointestinal problems are caused by H. pylori?

After H. pylori enters your body, it settles in your stomach. Then the bacteria change their environment, releasing an enzyme that reduces acidity. As a result, your stomach’s lining weakens.

The bacteria also have a spiral shape that lets them penetrate your stomach wall, which further damages the lining. Over time, the bacteria does enough damage to the lining that it can lead to health problems such as:

• Gastritis: occurs when the stomach lining becomes infected  
• Peptic ulcers: open sores in the lining of the stomach or upper part of your small intestine
• Gastric cancer: people infected with H. pylori have up to a six-fold higher risk of gastric cancer

It’s estimated that 10% of people who develop an H. pylori infection will develop a peptic ulcer.

What are the symptoms of a Helicobacter pylori infection?

When an H. pylori infection causes gastritis or a peptic ulcer, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Nausea and burping
• Bloating
• Burning ache or pain in your abdomen
• Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Fullness after eating a small amount
• Abdominal pain that gets worse when your stomach is empty

The severity of symptoms varies from one person to the next. If you have a mild infection or a small ulcer, you may not develop any symptoms.

How is H. pylori treated?

Treatment for an H. pylori infection requires several medications to suppress and eliminate the bacteria. A typical regimen may include a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics.

If you have gastritis or a peptic ulcer, your treatment may also include changing your diet to avoid foods that irritate the ulcer and avoiding NSAIDs, because they can cause ulcers. If you have an ulcer, Dr. Rayapudi may prescribe other medications to protect the mucosal lining.

If you develop symptoms of an H. pylori infection, call Gastro Office or book an appointment online.