Helicobacter pylori infection, most often referred to as H. pylori infection, involves a type of bacterium that embeds itself in the stomach as well as the small intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is estimated that H. pylori is present in half the population. This is because H. pylori can easily be spread between individuals and contaminated objects.
Causes
One way in which you can be infected with H. pylori is through direct contact with infected saliva or stools. Untreated water that contains H. pylori can also cause infection. Once an H. pylori bacterium gets into your mouth, it will pass into the stomach and reside there.
Potential Risks
Children are at a much higher risk of being exposed to H. pylori than adults. You are also at more of a risk if you live in the same residence as a person that has Helicobacter . Crowded residences can also increase a person's risk. People in developing countries are more often exposed to H. pylori due to crowded conditions as well as a lack of clean water or a lack of a reliable hot water supply for cleaning.
Symptoms and Testing
In some cases, a person that has been infected with H. pylori may not have any signs or symptoms. In other patients, H. pylori can lead to stomach upset that causes diarrhea, vomiting, burping, bloated feeling and sudden weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He can give you a stool, blood or breath test to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
Considerations
H. pylori infection can lead to complications, such as the development of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are sores that appear on the lining of the stomach; symptoms include dull pain in the abdomen, poor appetite and weight loss.
Warning
Even if you know the causes of H. pylori infection, it does not necessarily mean you can prevent transmission. However, you can practice good hygiene practices, such as hand washing and steering clear of untreated drinking water, to reduce your risk. Early research has been done on potential vaccinations as a way to prevent H. pylori infection.
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