The incidence of Helicobacter Pylori Bacterium infection, a cause of acid peptic disease, is very high among the population here in Pakistan and the number of cases is continuously on the rise mainly because of unavailability of ideal diagnostic and treatment facilities at public sector healthcare facilities.
According to health experts, the H. Pylori infection if not treated completely as is being happened in Pakistan, it may become chronic keeping the chances of gastric carcinoma, stomach cancer on the rise.
Experts believe that H. Pylori infection must be treated properly and the bacterium must be eradicated from the body in order to reduce chances of stomach cancer (The News).
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that enter the body and lives in the digestive tract. It can cause ulcers, in the stomach lining or intestine. This infection may lead to stomach cancer.
Two third of the world population has H. pylori in their bodies making it a common infection. But the symptoms are not the same for everyone.
For instance, in some people, this infection doesn’t cause ulcers or other symptoms. And this can be fixed by taking some medication.
H. pylori attack the stomach lining which protects the body from the acid used to digest the food we eat. Due to damage acid goes through lining causing ulcers which may further lead to bleed, and infections.
The main source of H. pylori is food, water, and utensils. Contaminated water and bad sewage systems are also the causes of this infection. One can get these bacteria through contact with the infected people.
H. pylori can affect both in childhood and adulthood. The bacteria live for years in the body before any symptom of infection starts. But not necessarily everybody gets ulcers.
Having ulcer may make you feel dull or pain in the belly. With an empty stomach, it can be felt more. It can last for a few minutes or hours and once you eat or drink you may feel better. Other signs may include:
Ulcers can bleed into your stomach or intestines. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also damage stomach lining. So, it is very important to diagnose the causes and get the best treatment. Visit nearby gastroenterology & hepatology clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease.
Urea breath test: The patient drinks a liquid containing urea and then breathes in a specialized bad. This is sent for the lab test. Having H. pylori, the bacteria change the urea into carbon dioxide. And the doctor will examine the level of gas in your breath.
To look more precisely doctor May also use:
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Upper GI endoscopy also called upper endoscopy, EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure used to see the lining of the upper GI tract by an endoscope.
CT scan: X-ray that makes detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Prevent yourself and others as well from H. pylori by these simple steps.
