A look at Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) , it's symptoms and treatment
Human are strange, sometimes they are strong and unstoppable, and other times they are frail and weak, exhausted by disease caused by a small organism that can only be seen under a microscope.
In today’s article, we are going to take a look at one of these powerful little organisms. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a type of bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract. Although it may not cause trouble for most people, it can cause ulcers in the stomach or upper small intestine after years of living in the human body.
Doctors previously believed that ulcers were caused by stress, spicy foods, smoking, or poor diet, but scientists have discovered that H. pylori is the cause of most stomach ulcers. This bacteria damages the lining of the stomach, causing ulcers and possible bleeding, inflammation, or impaired food movement. Symptoms also include bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. If left untreated, H. pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Treatment includes antibiotics with stomach acid-lowering drugs, though, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided due to increased ulcers risk. Good hygiene such as hand washing and avoiding uncooked foods can prevent infection.
Dr.Mufida Allwaif