Only in less than 20 percent of people, does H. pylori causes symptoms and complications. Many people infected with H. pylori don’t even realize they are infected unless the bug produces symptoms. The issues of indigestion, pain and ulcers caused by H. pylori are often chalked up to other disorders. But what exactly is H. pylori and what are its signs and symptoms, read on to find out:
What are H. pylori?
- pylori are a type of bacteria that enter the body and live in the digestive tract. They thrive in the mucosa of the intestines and can cause disease even after years to come, causing issues like ulcers and inflammation. In serious cases, the chronic inflammation can lead to stomach cancer. This is why H. pylori needs prompt detection and treatment, by a general physician in Karachi.
More than two-thirds of the world’s population has had H. pylori at some point or the other. However, the disease goes unnoticed in most cases unless there is a complication.
Signs and symptoms of H. pylori
For years, medical professionals attributed gastric ulcers to stress, smoking and spicy foods. However, in the year 1982, it was discovered that H. pylori are responsible for the highest number of cases of stomach ulcers.
- pylori attacks the stomach lining, known as the mucosa which normally protects the stomach from the acid secreted in it. This acid has a pH of 1, and without the mucosa protecting the stomach lining, this acid can cause serious inflammation and ulceration. As a result, there is pain on eating, even bleeding in severe cases, which can cause tarry stools, or blood in vomitus. The pain of stomach ulcer comes and goes, being burning just after you’ve had food, and being dull hours after. The pain can last for hours and becomes worse with painkillers like NSAIDs which also destroy the mucosa of the stomach.
Other signs of ulceration include: bloating and burping, despite not feeling hungry. Eating, on the other hand, causes pain and discomfort in the epigastric region. The pain, if severe, can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Most people with H. pylori avoid eating and can lose weight as a consequence. However, losing too much weight in a small span of time can herald a more serious issue like stomach cancer and H. pylori is certainly a risk factor for it.
Apart from stomach cancer, another serious complication of H. pylori infection and subsequent ulceration can be bleeding through the ulcer. If the stomach acid penetrates into the deeper layers, it can rupture the stomach wall, and cause massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity. This can be extremely dangerous if not dealt with right away.
The signs that the ulcer has ruptured include: severe sharp stomach pain, low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, thread pulse, pale skin, blood in the vomitus or coffee ground vomit, trouble breathing or dark red/tarry stool. If such symptoms are observed, immediate medical help should be sought from top General physician in Islamabad.