Helicobacter Pylori | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of H. pylori-related ulcers?
Most children or adults first develop gastritis: an inflammation of the stomach lining. Many will never have symptoms. Some symptoms are:
- dull, gnawing pain
- loss of weight
- loss of appetite
- bloating
- burping
- nausea
- vomiting
Helicobacter Pylori | Diagnosis & Treatments
How do we diagnose H. pylori?
Tests used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori may include:
- blood tests to identify antibodies that indicate the presence of the bacterium
- stool test and to identify the bacterium (antigen)
- breath tests to determine if carbon is present after drinking a solution that breaks down urea
- tissue tests to detect the presence of the enzyme urease, examine the bacteria that is present, and start a culture test to grow more bacteria for examination
How do we treat H. pylori?
Treatment for H. pylori can include:
- antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- medications to suppress acid production, including:
- H2-blockers, to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking
- histamine, a powerful stimulant of acid secretion
- proton pump inhibitors, to more completely block stomach acid production by stopping the stomach's acid pump
