H. pylori: A Significant Health Risk

• Gastritis usually results from the following issues: stomach acid destroying the lining of the stomach, stress, eating meals at inconsistent times of the day, smoking, consuming alcoholic drinks, and regularly ingesting certain types of medicine. However, one of the leading causes of gastritis is the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
• People living in the same household or sharing food with someone infected with H. pylori are at heightened risk and should undergo screening for the disease.
• Gastritis must be treated appropriately and continuously, because if left untreated, minor issues have the potential to develop into chronic conditions that may lead to dangerous diseases such as stomach cancer.

Thai people mostly regard Gastritis as being caused by eating at inconsistent times of the day, eating overly-rich dishes, and leaving the stomach empty to the extent that the acids there begin to eat away at the inner walls, eventually leading to formation of an ulcer. Symptoms of such disorders include stomach pain that can come and go before and after meals, and other symptoms which tend to go away after eating. It is widely understood that these disorders are not a serious threat to health, which means they are often overlooked. As such, sufferers opt to self-medicate using antacid products that are disregarded after the symptoms disappear. However, the truth is that stomach disorders require careful and consistent treatment, because if they are allowed to reach a chronic stage, they can lead to more serious problems such as stomach cancer.

Stomach disorders are generally caused by an imbalance of stomach acid, leading to those acids destroying the lining of the stomach. This can occur as a result of eating unhealthy food, such as those high in fat or overly-rich dishes, although lifestyle factors can also play a part, including stress, anxiety, skipping meals, eating at inconsistent times of the day, smoking, drinking alcohol, and regularly ingesting certain types of medicine. However, another crucial aspect to consider is infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is found in the stomachs of nearly 90% of Thais seeking treatment for gastritis.

The Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, or H. pylori as it is more commonly known, can be found throughout the digestive system and is transferable from human to human via food or the shared use of contaminated condiments. The infection enters the body through the digestive system and finds its way to cells in the lining of the stomach.

Many bacteria are unable to survive in the stomach because acidity in the stomach destroys them, but H. pylori has special characteristics that enable it to attach itself to the stomach wall tissue and produce an alkaline substance that protects it from stomach acid. Additionally, these bacteria are capable of hiding in between cells located in the stomach tissue, meaning they can survive in a person’s stomach for decades without that person developing any symptoms at all.

H. pylori infections which are acute or involve large amounts of bacteria may result in stomach inflammation, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting for a short time before these symptoms disappear altogether. Patients experiencing a slight infection, on the other hand, may not notice any symptoms. Even so, the bacteria hides within the thick acid-resistant layer of mucus that coats the lining of the stomach, leading to weakened stomach walls. This can then eventually cause chronic inflammation or a stomach ulcer, both of which heighten a person’s risk of subsequently developing stomach cancer.

• Periodic stomach pain emanating from the sternum
• Pain associated with mealtimes, flaring up either before or after eating
• A burning, tight sensation in the stomach
• Feeling nauseous
• In cases of severe inflammation, an ulcer may form in the stomach or upper intestinal tract, which can lead to bleeding within the digestive system that may cause darkened stools, cause the patient to vomit blood, or contribute to an anemic episode

After completing their initial inquiries and basic physical assessment, medical staff may recommend additional screening, as follows:
●    An endoscopy to collect a tissue sample from the digestive system, which involves inserting a tube containing a microscopic camera lens on one end into the patient’s stomach via their mouth. This enables medical staff to analyze the stomach tissue for ulcers while also removing a tissue sample that is sent to a laboratory for H. pylori screening.

• A stool antigen test involves taking a stool sample from the patient and screening it for the H. pylori bacteria or for proteins associated with an H. pylori infection. The test takes just 4 hours to complete and has a 98% accuracy rate.
• A urea breath test requires patients to take some urea under the guidance of a doctor. The patient then blows into a special device that can measure the increase in ammonia compared to a regular breath, which is indicative of the presence of H. pylori because it is able to transform urea into ammonia. Elevated ammonia levels indicate that H. pylori is present in the digestive system. Urea breath tests are just as accurate as the other forms of screening noted above.

If a patient is found to have H. pylori infection, doctors will prescribe specific antibiotics due to bacteria found in the stomach having a high chance of being resistant to normal medication. There are many types of antibiotic drugs capable of treating the condition, although 2–3 forms are usually required for a course of 1–2 weeks, depending on the medication deemed most appropriate by the doctor based on the individual’s requirements.

Additionally, in cases where a family member or another person from the same household has been diagnosed with H. pylori infection, every person who has shared food or utensils with that person should undergo screening, and treatment as necessary, in order to prevent further infections.

• Thoroughly wash hands before preparing or eating meals
• Avoid potentially contaminated food or drink, including meals that may not be cooked properly
• Ensure all cooking utensils and cutlery are kept clean
• Seek a professional diagnosis including H. pylori screening should you experience any digestive system irregularities or suffer from a chronic stomach condition

Although gastritis is not generally dangerous, it can lead to chronic stomach issues if left untreated, which can increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer. If you begin to suffer stomach pain, heartburn or bloating that does not go away despite undergoing treatment, or you belong to a high-risk group, such as those who enjoy eating rare meat or those living with someone already infected with H. pylori infection, be sure to seek medical attention so that medical professionals can screen and provide treatment before it develops to a dangerous stage.