Medical researchers have found out that there is one bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can cause several kinds of stomach problems. Often, a patient may end up with gastritis, which is one of the primary causes of peptic ulcer problems. This issue may not be too common. However, H. pylori can be one of the major causes of Stomach cancer if the patient does not get the right treatment.
H pylori urease test needs a special kind of laboratory test equipment, which is supplied by Jant Pharmacal. They have been operating since 1986 and supplying their lab equipment not only to laboratories in the USA but also in several other countries.
According to the medical journal report, H. pylori infection has become quite common these days. Almost 50 to 75 per cent of the world’s population has this infection. Particularly in poor countries, where youngsters are living in very filthy surroundings, this infection is quite prevalent.
These bacteria can spread through any of the following:
- Saliva
- Tainted foods
- Water
- Contaminated surface.
Besides that, these bacteria can also spread due to close contact with an affected person and also if a person does not wash his hands after using restroom.
The worst part is that many people who may be infected with H. pylori will not show any symptoms.
When the symptoms begin to show up, then the following can be observed:
- Dull or searing stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dark stools (from blood)
- Blood in the vomit.
When doctors observe certain chronic symptoms in any patient complaining about ulcers, they will recommend thorough diagnostic tests.
Some of these tests are:
- Blood testing for antibodies
- Stool test
- Breath test
- Endoscopies with biopsies.
- Urea breath test.
In particular, urea breath tests can confirm the presence of H. pylori. Endoscopies with biopsies can also be another effective test method to find this ailment. Here, a sample of tissue is taken from the lining of the stomach.
Doctors often prefer to use Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) along with antibiotics to treat this problem.
A few other antibiotics are:
- Amoxicillin
- Clarithromycin
- Metronidazole.
Also, a few PPIs, such as lansoprazole and omeprazole, can help lower the acids in the stomach, which is helpful in healing this issue. To remove the microorganisms and protect the stomach lining, doctors can prescribe bismuth subsalicylate for 14 days.
When traditional therapies fail or reinfection occurs, newer medications like Talicia, which combines two antibiotics (rifabutin and amoxicillin) with a PPI (omeprazole), may be administered.
The following precautions must be observed to avoid H. pylori infection:
- Maintain proper cleanliness
- Observe personal hygiene
- Avoid eating contaminated foods or drinks
- Keep your hands clean
- Drink enough clean water.
There is no vaccine available for H. pylori; however, with the above precautions, encouraging results have been observed among youngsters.
People with a documented H. pylori infection can reduce their long-term risk of complications and stomach cancer by adhering to treatment plans and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables.