Helicobacter Pylori Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
As the name implies, Helicobacter pylori infection is a disease caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Normally, the stomach will produce acid to kill bacteria that enter the digestive tract.
But unfortunately, stomach acid is not effective in killing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. These bacteria actually attack and also damage the stomach wall.
As with diseases caused by bacterial infections, this condition is closely related to hygiene and cleanliness.
Symptom
Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection are generally related to digestive system disorders, such as:
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Abdominal pain
- Increased stomach acid
- Diarrhea
- Halitosis (bad breath)
H. Pylori infection usually not only increases stomach acid production but can also cause sores (ulcers) in the stomach and small intestine.
Reason
The cause of Helicobacter pylori infection is Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Transmission can occur by fecal-oral or oral-oral means.
The fecal-oral method is that bacteria enter the digestive tract through drinks, food, or objects that have been contaminated with the patient’s feces.
While oral-oral is contact from the patient’s mouth so that there is an exchange of saliva.
For example, sharing food or using the same cutlery with sufferers.
Therefore, it is very important to ensure hand hygiene as well as cutlery.
Risk Factors
You are more at risk of being infected with H. Pylori bacteria if:
- Not implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle properly
- Not washing your hands regularly with the right method, especially before eating
- Often consume foods that are not clean enough
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of H. pylori bacterial infection can be through medical interviews to assess symptoms and risk factors, especially those related to hygiene.
Apart from that, the doctor can also do a physical examination, such as abdominal pain, especially the solar plexus, to increase bowel movements in cases with diarrhea.
In addition, several supporting examinations can be carried out, such as:
- H. Pylori fecal antigen test
- Urea breath test
- H. Pylori serology
- Antibiogram
However, the tests that are usually carried out in Indonesia are blood tests, urea breath tests, stool examinations, and endoscopy (if needed).
Treatment
If you experience symptoms that suggest Helicobacter pylori infection, consult further with an internal medicine specialist.
Doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics, such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Metronidazole
- Clarithromycin
- Tetracycline
In addition, additional drugs will be given according to the symptoms experienced, such as anti-diarrheal and gastric drugs such as proton pump inhibitors ( lansoprazole or omeprazole) and H2-receptor blockers ( ranitidine ).
In addition to how to treat the Helicobacter pylori infection above, doctors usually also advise patients to pay more attention to food hygiene.
Prevention
Prevention efforts that can be done is to apply clean and healthy behavior.
Pay attention to hygiene when preparing food or when eating food.
Complications
H. Pylori infection can cause sores or ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
This disease can also cause widespread infection to cause peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal wall on the inside and the abdominal organs).
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience complaints of stomach ulcers that don’t get better with medication and an improved diet, it is highly recommended to see a doctor.
The doctor will evaluate whether the complaint is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection for further therapy.