Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori for short, is a spiral-shaped bacterium which lives in the mucosal lining of the stomach. Research shows that the bacteria (along with acid secretion) damage stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and ulcers. Once the bacteria have been eradicated with antibiotics and other medicines, peptic ulcer disease can be cured.
Although it's not certain how H. pylori is acquired, the chances of getting it become greater as you get older. 30% to 40% of the U.S. population is infected with H. pylori.
What causes ulcers?
An imbalance between digestive fluids (hydrochloric acid and pepsin which are made by the stomach) and the stomach's ability to defend itself against these powerful substances can result in ulcers. Medications such as aspirin and certain forms of these medications have been shown to contribute to the formation of ulcers. Today, research shows that ulcers can develop as a result of infection with the bacterium H. pylori.
What are the symptoms of ulcers?
The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or burning in the abdomen. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early hours of the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours and may be temporarily relieved by eating or by taking antacids. Other ulcer symptoms may include gas, nausea or bleeding.
How are ulcers diagnosed?
The National Institutes of Health has emphasized the importance of adequately diagnosing ulcer disease and H. pylori before starting treatment, because treatment could be quite different depending on whether the ulcer is related to H. pylori or due to other factors. 90% of duodenal ulcers and 60% to 100% of stomach ulcers are H. pylori related. Currently, doctors have a number of options available for diagnosing ulcers, such as performing endoscopies, x-ray examinations and testing for active H. pylori infection with simple non-invasive means including blood tests and simple breath tests.
How are ulcers treated?
Treatment for stomach ulcers depends on the underlying cause, typically using a combination of acid-suppressing drugs and antibiotics. Eliminating H. pylori means the ulcer may now heal and most likely will not come back. Cure rates up to 90% have been reported by doctors after effective treatment of H. pylori.
What are the complications of ulcers?
If left untreated, ulcers can result in a bleed or perforation or narrowing of the esophagus or outlet of the stomach. Recent studies have shown that H. pylori may be associated with the development of gastric lymphoma and even possibly with gastric cancer. Therefore, identification of the organism in the stomach of certain individuals may be very important.
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