Helicobacter pylori Infection

Symptoms:

Most H. pylori infections don't cause symptoms. When a person gets symptoms, they often come from swelling of the stomach lining or a peptic ulcer. The symptoms can include:

Ⅰ. An ache or burning pain in the stomach area, also called the abdomen.

Ⅱ. Stomach pain that may feel worse when the stomach is empty.

Ⅲ. Upset stomach.

Ⅳ. Loss of appetite.

Ⅴ. Frequent burping.

Ⅵ. Bloating.

Ⅶ. Weight loss.

Causes:

H. pylori infections are caused by H. pylori germs that get into the stomach lining. The germs appear to be passed from person to person through contact with saliva, vomit or stool. They also may be spread through contaminated surfaces, or tainted food or water.

Risk factors:

Risk factors for H. pylori infections include your living conditions, health history and eating habits. These risk factors include:

• Living in crowded conditions. Living in a home with many other people can raise your risk of an H. pylori infection.

• Lacking a reliable supply of clean water. H. pylori germs can spread through tainted water that hasn't been treated enough for safety.

• Living in a developing country. H. pylori infections are more common in developing nations, where clean water and living conditions may be harder to access. In developing countries, these infections are more common during childhood.

• Having certain health conditions. Ongoing swelling and thinning of the stomach lining called atrophic gastritis can raise the risk of an H. pylori infection. So can an immune system condition called pernicious anemia and tumors of the stomach that aren't cancer called gastric adenomas.

• Having a family history of certain conditions. Your risk of an H. pylori infection rises if a parent or sibling has had peptic ulcers or stomach cancer.

• Sharing food or utensils. H. pylori germs can spread through saliva. So don't share food or silverware with family members or friends.

When to see a doctor:

Make an appointment with your healthcare professional if you have ongoing stomach pain or other stomach symptoms. Get medical help right away for:

• Sharp, sudden or very bad stomach pain that doesn't get better.

• Bloody or black, tarry stools.

• Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

• Trouble swallowing.

• Unusual tiredness, dizziness or passing out.