Helicobacter pylori is a germ that can infect the lining of the stomach

What is Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori)?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that has the ability to infect the stomach. It is estimated that at least 50% of the world's population has been affected by it. Helicobacter is usually acquired in childhood and rarely as an adult.

What causes Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori infection usually causes no symptoms and people are unaware of its existence. A small percentage of people will experience indigestion. More intense discomfort occurs in the main complication of Helicobacter infection, that is, the ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. Helicobacter pylori can even be responsible for hematological disorders (anemia, low vitamin B12, low platelets), while it has also been associated with serious diseases such as cancer and lymphoma of the stomach.

How much does having Helicobacter pylori increase the chance of stomach cancer?

The chronic presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach can, in very small amounts, increase the risk of certain forms of stomach cancer. For this reason, if by chance helicobacter is found in a patient's stomach, an attempt should be made to eradicate it, without stress or panic. This is why testing for Helicobacter pylori is often recommended in families with a history of stomach cancer.

Who should be tested for Helicobacter pylori?

Patients with an active gastric or duodenal ulcer or a known history of such in the past, patients with dyspeptic complaints, people with a family history of gastric cancer, patients with gastric lymphoma, and those who are to receive long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs should be tested for Helicobacter pylori. Patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia, low vitamin B12 and low platelets (autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura) are also screened.

How is Helicobacter pylori tested?

The test can be done with a breath test, with a gastroscopy and taking a biopsy from the stomach, with a stool test or with a blood test.

How is Helicobacter pylori treated and what happens after treatment is complete?

Helicobacter infection is treated with stomach medication and a combination of antibiotics for 14 days. After completing the treatment, the gastroenterologist will recommend the appropriate time and way to check the result. If the treatment is successful, the chance of re-infection by the microbe is minimal. If it turns out that the microbe has not been eradicated, the doctor will recommend appropriate further medication with a different combination of antibiotics.