Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is blamed for causing various ailments that make life difficult, including duodenal ulcers or chronic gastritis.
Infection with this gram-positive bacterium is not at all as rare as it might seem. Still, treatment is not among the simplest… Nowadays, many people do not even realize there is a problem, despite the symptoms. Let us start from the beginning…
What is Helicobacter pylori and how does infection manifest itself?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that resides mainly in the upper part of the digestive tract. Many sources mention its ability to move freely throughout the digestive system. All the more so because it has a unique feature… It is able to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Nevertheless, if H. pylori colonizes both parts of the stomach, then, according to experts, it is considered part of the natural, physiological bacterial flora and no unpleasant symptoms will occur. It is worth knowing that problems related to infection with this bacterium are closely linked to the site of colonization. Depending on this, it may cause, among other things:
- stomach inflammation,
- autoimmune problems,
- gastric and duodenal ulcers,
- disorders of hydrochloric acid secretion,
- reflux,
- increased risk of cancerous changes.
What factors increase the risk of H. pylori-related problems?
- poor condition of the digestive system,
- poor condition of the immune system,
- neglect of the intestines,
- poorly functioning digestive system.
Nevertheless, more often than we think, infection is asymptomatic or has minimal symptoms. Much depends on the condition of the body. That is why comprehensive measures and proper testing to diagnose possible problems are so important. However, this does not mean that unpleasant symptoms are not experienced in every case. The most common ones include:
- erosions,
- problems with bowel movements (constipation),
- inflammation in the area of the duodenum and stomach,
- digestive problems and heartburn,
- stomach pain and a burning sensation.
There may also be others, e.g. food intolerances, bloating or diarrhoea.
Helicobacter pylori – what tests should be performed?
One of the more reliable tests, and at the same time one that is easily available in pharmacies, is the stool antigen test. Thanks to it, in many cases, it is very easy to determine to what extent Helicobacter pylori infection is a problem.
For confirmation, one can buy an antibody test at the pharmacy, which will also allow an assessment of the situation. Nevertheless, due to the long persistence of antibodies, even after the condition has been cured, the antigen test will be much more reliable.
Well, the best diagnostic method both for assessing infection and for confirming that it has been cured is the so-called histopathological examination. After taking a sample of the gastric mucosa, the material is analysed using a staining test. The colour indicates whether we are dealing with a problem and what steps to take to start treatment.
How else can Helicobacter pylori overgrowth be harmful?
As I mentioned earlier, much depends on the site of colonization and infection. Either way, if left untreated it can cause complications on various levels – not only strictly digestive ones. Similarly, it does not have to cause symptoms only on the digestive side. Interestingly, it is believed that it may even contribute to hair loss.
Untreated infection can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and diseases of other vital organs. The bacterium is responsible, among other things, for producing endotoxins that contribute to limiting the T-cell response. Endotoxins circulating in the bloodstream do not support the condition of the heart muscle.
Experts emphasize that bacterial overgrowth can result not only in inflammation, ulcers, and erosions, but also in a significantly increased risk of cancerous diseases of the stomach or duodenum.
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with indigestion and disorders of the functioning of the digestive system. It is considered one of the more serious causes of problems. It not only leads to a marked decrease in gastric HCl secretion, but also in the secretion of pepsin.
Many sources mention that bacterial overgrowth is correlated with increased production of cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline. Moreover, with disturbances in the action of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine.
In addition to those mentioned, an undertreated condition may have a negative effect on the gut-brain axis and also trigger other disease entities, including
SIBO or irritable bowel syndrome.
Summary on Helicobacter pylori
According to experts, infection with the bacterium can occur through contact with faeces or even through the exchange of saliva. Either way, since we take a holistic approach to our body and feel certain symptoms, perhaps it is worth ruling out some problems? It certainly will not hurt. All the more so because digestive/food-related problems affect a significant percentage of society.
Diagnosis is the basis. Nevertheless, even with an appropriate assessment of the problem, treatment can be quite difficult… Moreover, not all recommended measures are free of side effects that negatively affect other parts of the body (e.g. the
condition of the intestines). It is worth combining classical therapy with changes in eating habits and proper supplementation.
