Helicobacter pylori infection
Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers worldwide. The infection is prevalent and increases with age. By age 60, approximately 50% of people are infected.
The bacterium H. pylori can be found in feces, saliva, and plaque on teeth. It can be transmitted from person to person. Infections tend to be concentrated in families and among people living in nursing homes and other supervised facilities.
H. pylori thrives in the protective mucus layer of the gastric lining, where it is less exposed to the highly acidic juices produced by the stomach. In addition, H. pylori produces ammonia, which helps protect it from gastric acid.
Most people with H. pylori infection have gastric inflammation (gastritis), which can affect the entire stomach or just the lower part. Sometimes the infection can cause erosive gastritis and even a stomach ulcer. It contributes to ulcer formation by impairing the stomach's normal defenses against gastric acid and producing toxins. Long-term infection increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Only 20% of people whose gastritis was caused by H. pylori have symptoms or complications such as a peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum.
A person who has symptoms resulting from an H. pylori infection will have the characteristic symptoms of gastritis, including indigestion and pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Their diagnosis consists of laboratory tests, upper digestive endoscopy plus biopsy
The recurrence rate of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori in untreated patients can reach 50%, while in treated patients it is less than 10%. Treatment consists of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor.
Internal Medicine Physician.
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458