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Stomach Disorders and the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Bacteria

Some important stomach disorders include gastritis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, and stomach cancer. Gastritis is frequently diagnosed in people with symptoms such as pain—in the xiphoid process, abdomen or back—that is connected to meals or that occurs in the middle of the night, vomiting blood, dark stools and weight loss. Gastritis was once believed to be caused by excessive acidity in the stomach, weak stomach lining, stress, or not eating meals on time, but doctors have discovered that in most cases, infection by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the cause.

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium is helix-shaped and lives in the stomach. The bacteria can penetrate the stomach and small intestine’s protective mucus lining, leading to acute and chronic inflammation of the upper digestive tract (gastritis), peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. H. pylori infections can be found all over the world, but especially in undeveloped and developing countries, where rates of infection are as high as 60 to 70% of the population. It is more commonly found in older adults. The bacteria can be transmitted by eating and drinking contaminated food and water.

Diagnosing Stomach Disorders
Examinations used to diagnose stomach disorders include a barium swallow, an endoscopy to visually inspect the stomach lining, collection of tissue for biopsy to check for cancerous cells or the H. pylori bacteria, testing for the urease enzyme that is produced by the bacteria or even using a dye to find the bacteria directly. Furthermore a blood test may show antibodies that may indicate H. pylori infection. And 13C Urea Breath Test is one of the most important non-invasive methods for detecting H. pylori infection.
 
A number of different medications must be used simultaneously to treat this infection as it is resistant to many drugs. Usually two to three types of medication must be used for one to two weeks, including medication to treat stomach disorders and one to two types of antibiotics. This treatment is 80 to 90% effective in eliminating the H. pylori bacteria. The patient may have to continue medication to treat the stomach disorder for up to four to eight weeks, depending on the case. It is recommended that patients are more careful with their food choices during this period of treatment. The doctor will provide more specific information regarding this.
 
  1. Ulcers heal more quickly.
  2. Prevents recurrence of stomach and intestinal disorders.
  3. Alleviates some types of early stomach cancer.
  4. Reduces the risk of stomach cancer in the long run.

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