Helicobacter Pylori
What is "helicobacter pylori"?
Helicobacter pylori, or what we generally refer to as H. pylori, is a bacteria that lives in the lining of our large intestine. We feel that this bacteria does not belong there and generally should not be there, as it is the culprit for most of the ulcers that form in one's stomach cavity. Helicobacter pylori has been rendered as a carcinogen, or a cancer causing agent, by the World Health Organization. When we find this bacteria, we generally like to get rid of it by giving a short course of combination antibiotics and acid reducing agents.
What causes helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori or H pylori can be passed generally from one person to the next by living with somebody for a very long time. There can be utensils that can be contaminated and shared from one person to the next, toothbrushes that can be shared from one person to the next, or generally eating habits, cooking habits, or cleaning habits that may not be very sanitary. Drinking water or eating food that can be contaminated with this bacterium are potentially prime causes of getting this bacterium.
What are the symptoms associated with helicobacter pylori?
The symptoms that are associated with helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short, can include: abdominal discomfort, nausea, worsening of acid reflux, indigestion, or potentially the promotion of ulcers and the symptoms that go along with ulcer formation.
What is the treatment of helicobacter pylori?
The treatment for helicobacter pylori, or H pylori is generally comprised of anywhere from a one week to two week course of a combination of two different antibiotics and a medicine known as an acid reducing agent, or proton pump inhibitor.
