H Pylori Infection Essay Research Paper Millions

H. Pylori Infection Essay, Research Paper

Millions of people around the world suffer from ulcers. An ulcer is a sore or hole

in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected just as often as men.

With stomach ulcers, H. pylori infection is found in 60 to 80 percent of the cases.

Again, it is still uncertain how the infection acts to cause the ulcer. It probably

weakens the protective mucous layer of the stomach. This allows acid to seep in

and injure the underlying stomach cells. However, there is still a great deal of

research to be done to unravel this relationship. In times past, physicians were

taught “no acid, no ulcer.” The medical profession felt the single most important

factor causing duodenal ulcers to form was strong stomach acid. Research has

now shown that over 90% of all patients who develop duodenal ulcers have H.

pylori infection in the stomach as well. Medical studies are under way to

determine the relationship between the two and how an infection in the stomach

can be related to a duodenal ulcer. Acid is still important; patients without acid

in the stomach never get duodenal ulcers. However, physicians now accept the

fact that the infection is directly related to the development of duodenal ulcers. It

is now rather easy to clear duodenal ulcers with the strong acid-reducing

medicines available. But, the ulcers will usually recur unless the H. pylori

infection is also cleared from the stomach.

Although we use to think that spicy food, acid, and stress were the major

causes of ulcers, we now know that nine out of ten ulcers are caused by H.

pylori. Helicobacter Pylori is a specific bacteria that can cause infection of the

stomach. This infection can contribute to the development of diseases, such as

dyspepsia (heartburn, bloating and nausea), gastritis (inflammation of the

stomach), and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. It will be useful to know

some things about the upper digestive tract to understand how and where

Helicobacter pylori infection can occur. H. pylori is a fragile bacteria that has

found an ideal home in the protective mucous layer of the stomach. These

bacteria have long threads protruding from them that attach to the underlying

stomach cells. The mucous layer that protects the stomach cells from acid also

protects H. pylori. These bacteria do not actually invade the stomach cells as

certain other bacteria can. The infection, however, is very real and it does cause

the body to react. Infection-fighting white blood cells move into the area, and the

body even develops H. pylori antibodies in the blood. H. pylori infection

probably occurs when an individual swallows the bacteria in food, fluid, or

perhaps from contaminated utensils. The infection is likely one of the most

common worldwide. The rate of infection increases with age, so it occurs more

often in older people. It also occurs frequently in young people in the developing

countries of the world, since the infection tends to be more common where

sanitation is poor or living quarters are cramped. In many cases it does not

produce symptoms. In other words, the infection can occur without the person

knowing it. The infection remains localized to the gastric area, and probably

persists unless specific treatment is given. Medicines that reduce stomach acid

may make you feel better, but your ulcer may come back. Since most ulcers are

caused by this bacterial infection, they can be cured for good with the right

antibiotics. The main cause for ulcers in eating disorder patients is the irregular

eating habits. When there is no food in the stomach for long periods of time the

stomach acid simply starts eating away at the lining. Similarly when there is too

much food in the stomach for long periods of time it will damage the tissues.

Those irritations then develop into the open sores known as ulcers.If ulcers are

not treated complications such as serious weight lose, leading to malnutrition,

the risk of bleeding, which can eventually lead to anemia, and also complete

penetration of the stomach lining called perforation.

The most common ulcer symptom is a gnawing or burning sensation in the

abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button. The pain often occurs

when the stomach is empty, between meals and in early morning hours, but can

occur at anytime. It may last anywhere between minutes and hours and may be

relieved by either eating or taking antacids. Less common symptoms include

nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Sometimes ulcers bleed. If bleeding

persists, it may lead to anemia with weakness and fatigue. If bleeding is heavy it

may appear in vomit r bowel movements. Complications from stomach ulcers

may include serious weight loss leading to malnutrition and the risk of bleeding,

which can lead to anemia, (a condition were the body does not have enough red

blood cells to carry oxygen). Another risk is that the ulcer may go through the

wall of the stomach causing what is called a perforation. People who are having

frequent pain in their stomach should see there doctor for treatment, as ulcers

can be serious. People should not attempt to treat themselves with

over-the-counter medications because delaying treatment could be dangerous.

To determine if you have an ulcer, the doctor may do several tests. An

x-ray called a barium swallow or upper GI may be done to see if there is an

ulcer.

There are quiet a few other ways for a physician to locate an ulcer. The

first test that may be performed is an endoscopy This is a test in which a small

tube with a camera inside is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to

look for ulcers. During the Endoscopy, small samples of the stomach lining can

be obtained and tested for H. pylori using the chemical called PyloriTek.The

second test is called the C13 urea breath test non-invasive and non-radioactive.

.This a breath test that can determine if you are infected with H. pylori. In this

test, you drink a harmless liquid and in half an hour, a sample of your breath is