😱 Helicobacter pylori infection

I had a test today and it shows I am infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Oh no, ㅠㅠ two weeks of medication treatment ㅠㅠ

Because of this bacteria, you can develop from gastritis to stomach cancer.

They say it's there. I really need to get treatmentㅠ

🤔Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the stomach, and it is known as a major cause of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and stomach cancer. It was first discovered in 1982 by Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

 

🔍 Features

- **Location of colonization**: It resides in the mucosal layer above, and can survive in highly acidic environments.

- **Shape**: Spiral structure that uses flagella to penetrate the stomach mucosa and establish a stable habitat.

- **Survival Mechanism**: It secretes **urease** to neutralize stomach acid and protect itself.

 

⚠️ Helicobacter pylori infection transmission route

- **Infection route**: Mainly transmitted through **oral-oral and fecal-oral routes**.

- **Risk Factors**: Poor eating habits, shared utensils, and poor hygiene conditions increase the risk of infection.

 

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🩺 Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection

- **Asymptomatic**: Over 70% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic.

- **Symptoms**: Heartburn, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, etc., which can cause symptoms similar to gastritis and ulcers.

 

🔬 Diagnostic methods

- **Urea Breath Test (UBT)**: Detects radioactive carbon (C13 or C14) in the breath after ingestion.

- **Blood Test**: Checks for the presence of antibodies.

- **Stool test**: Detects antigens.

- **Gastroscopic biopsy**: A mucosal sample is taken to confirm the presence of Helicobacter pylori.

 

Treatment methods

- **Triple therapy**: Take two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 1 to 2 weeks.

- **Quadruple therapy**: Use two antibiotics, bismuth preparation, and PPI together (for use in case of resistance).

 

🛡️ Prevention methods

- **Personal Hygiene**: Washing hands, using separate utensils, serving food in portions.

- **Food Hygiene**: Use of safe drinking water and consumption of cooked food.

 

Helicobacter pylori infection can be treated, but since there is a risk of reinfection, prevention is important. If infection is suspected or gastrointestinal symptoms persist, it is advisable to undergo a **gastroscopy** for diagnosis.