What is Helicobacter? How is Helicobacter Treatment Done?

Severe abdominal pain of unknown origin and uncomfortable indigestion may be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. So what is helicobacter?

What is Helicobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism that can settle in the stomach and cause ulcers and gastritis. This microorganism can cause infection in areas with gastric mucosa, but it does not completely affect the digestive system. This condition, which manifests itself with various symptoms, can even lead to the formation of stomach cancer if not treated at an early stage. In the treatment of helicobacter pylori, which is found in almost 50% of the Turkish population, the use of antibiotic drugs instead of acid reducers is effective.

Helicobacter Pylori Symptoms

The general symptoms of helicobacter infection include nausea, acute infection and abdominal pain. The main symptoms of this microorganism, which also causes bad breath in the advanced stages, are burning and pain in the stomach, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, postprandial bloating and belching. The microorganism that does not cause any stomach germ symptoms in most people lives in the stomach and does not cause any health problems. However, it can rarely cause symptoms such as gastritis, bad breath, heartburn and indigestion. In its advanced stages, it causes stomach ulcers.

Causes of Helicobacter Infection

Although the causes of helicobacter infection are not yet fully known, it is thought that it is generally transmitted by drinking water contaminated with bacteria and consuming food cooked in poor hygienic conditions.

Helicobacter Infection Diagnosis

In people over 40 years of age and experiencing severe complaints, the diagnosis is first made by upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy and gastric biopsy. For the patient profile other than this, diagnosis is made by searching for antigen in the stool or by urea breath test.

Helicobacter Infection Treatment

The use of antibiotics for 2 weeks together with a stomach protector ensures success in 90% of the patients. However, whether the microorganism is completely destroyed or not is determined by stool antigen screening or urea breath test. In people with stomach ulcers, this condition is controlled by gastrointestinal endoscopy. Due to the low rate of contamination in adult patients, if the patient does not have a new complaint, no additional screening is required in the following years. So, how is helicobacter pylori destroyed? The treatment process of helicobacter infection with antibiotic resistance is somewhat difficult and long. For this reason, helicobacter treatment may take weeks or even 1 month with the use of triple antibiotics in some cases.

Who Gets Helicobacter infection?

Helicobacter, which causes stomach cancer over time, makes it necessary for people with a family history of stomach cancer to be screened. In addition, vomiting, heartburn, nausea, flatulence and bloating can also be seen.

Is Helicobacter Pylori Contagious?

Helicobacter which is thought to be passed on to children in the first 5 years of age, is generally seen in crowded and unhygienic environments. For this reason, it is important to provide the necessary hygiene conditions for hands, body and food.

What Diseases Does Helicobacter Cause?

This microorganism can cause the following diseases:

• Thinning of the stomach wall
• Gastritis
• Intestinal metaplasia
• Gastric cancer
• Gastric lymphoma
• Ulcer in the stomach
• Duodenal ulcer

How Can Helicobacter Infection Be Prevented?

Helicobacter pylori is treated with antibiotics. However, there are some precautions that can be taken to avoid this situation. The first of these measures is hygiene. It is important to wash hands with soap and water, especially before each meal, before preparing food, and after using the toilet. Vegetables and fruits should also be thoroughly washed. Drink water from a clean and reliable source. In addition, helicobacter pylori prohibited foods should also be considered. These foods are hot spices, oranges, stir-fries, onions and raw tomatoes.