What is H-Pylori? Its Causes, Symptoms & its Treatment.
H.pylori is a popular & common type of gram negative bacteria which causes H.pylori infection. H. Pylori bacteria destroys our stomach lining, a mucus layer that provides protection to our stomach against the acid. This spiral shaped bacteria sticks to our stomach lining and penetrate inside the stomach where it harms the mucus, making our stomach cells injured. Majority of stomach and small intestine ulcers are caused by H.pylori bacteria. H.pylori halts the immune response of our body which leads to various gastrointestinal disorders.
Who is affected by H.pylori? OR Who is at risk of getting H. pylori?
You will be surprised to know that 50% of the world’s population is affected by H.pylori infection. It’s not necessary that all individuals suffering from H.pylori infection have the definite symptoms. Interestingly, only 20% of those infected have symptoms that include stomach pain, vomiting, and weight loss among others. The thought of microorganisms invading your stomach without even having you suspect their presence in your body is indeed scary.
How can you get infected?
The mode of transmission of H.pylori bacteria is unclear. According to research, the bacteria are usually spread by consuming contaminated food or water. H.pylori infection is more commonly popular in developing countries because of infected food, polluted water, environmental hazards and poor hygiene conditions.
What are the risks & complications associated with H.pylori infection?
- Ulcers: Many ulcers (open sores) of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with H.pylori. When the mucus layer which protects our stomach and intestines is affected, acids cause corrosion of the tissue lining causing ulcers. Research says that not all ulcers are associated with the H.pylori,
- Gastritis: H.pylori causes inflammation of the stomach lining leading to acute or chronic gastritis.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Chronic gastritis sometimes leads to reduced iron absorption which ultimately contributes to the development of Iron deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of an H.pylori Infection Are:
Majority of the people have no signs and symptoms of H.pylori infection. H.pylori bacteria can reside in our body for many years. Some of the main symptoms of an H.pylori infection are:
- Burning or pain in the stomach
- Nausea & Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Pain in abdomen specially when the stomach is empty
It’s really important to know that the symptoms can vary person to person that’s why early diagnosis is the only way to confirm the possibility of the infection.
How the presence of H.pylori infection is evaluated?
Testing for H.pylori infection is important if you are experiencing any of the above stated symptoms.
The diagnosis can be done by:
- Urea Breath Test
- Stool tests
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy
How to cure H.pylori infection?
Your physician may recommend you a combination of antibiotics and other stomach healing medicines, e.g. Proton pump inhibitors, Bismuth subsalicylate etc.
Some experts suggest use of probiotics as a supplement to increase the eradication of H.pylori and reduce the side effects associated with the treatment.
ENTPRO® (Probiotic Supplement that delivers effective relief for H.pylori infection and reduce the side effect associated with the treatment)
Entpro®, a unique supplement contains a well-researched probiotic strain ‘Pylopass’ (Lactobacillus reuteri) that gets attached to the surface of H. Pylori bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from affecting the stomach lining letting Entpro® deliver total protection against H. Pylori & reducing infection in the body. Entpro® is also clinically proven to reduce inflammation and pain associated with infection.
For more information, Please contact us or visit our website; www.matrixpharma.com
References:
- Wolfgang Fischbach, Prof. Dr. med.1,* and Peter Malfertheiner, Prof. Dr. med.2. Helicobacter Pylori Infection; When to Eradicate, How to Diagnose and Treat. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Jun; 115(25): 429–436. [PubMed]
- Robert P H Logan, Marjorie M Walker. Epidemiology and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. BMJ 2001;323:920. [PubMed]
- Mestre A, Sathiya Narayanan R, Rivas D, et al. Role of Probiotics in the Management of Helicobacter pylori. Cureus (June 30, 2022) [PubMed]
- Novozymes OneHealth. Pylopass. https://novozymesonehealth.com/products/pylopass/
