Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along
with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation
and peptic ulcers.
How does H. pylori cause damage?
It is believed that H. pylori's shape and characteristics cause the damage
that leads to ulcers. Because of their shape and the way they move, the bacteria
can penetrate the stomach's protective mucous lining where they produce the
enzyme urease, which generates substances that neutralize the stomach's acids.
This weakens the stomach's protective mucus, makes the stomach cells more
susceptible to the damaging effects of acid and pepsin, and leads to sores or
ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
The bacteria can also attach to stomach cells, further weakening the
stomach's defensive mechanisms and producing local inflammation. For reasons not
completely understood, H. pylori can also stimulate the stomach to produce more
acid.
What causes An H. pylori infection?
Researchers do not yet know what causes certain people to develop H.
pylori-related symptoms or ulcers.
Symptoms of H. pylori-related ulcers
The following are the most common symptoms of H. pylori- related for ulcers.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Soon after being
infected with H. pylori, most people develop gastritis - an inflammation of the
stomach lining.
However, most people will never have symptoms or problems related to the
infection. When symptoms are present, they may include the following:
- Dull, gnawing pain, which may:
- occur two to three hours after a meal.
- come and go for several days or weeks.
- occur in the middle of the night when stomach is empty.
- be relieved by eating.
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Burping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The symptoms of ulcers may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Diagnosing H. pylori
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination,
diagnostic procedures for H. pylori may include the following:
- Blood tests - to identify antibodies that indicate the presence of the
bacterium
- Stool test - to identify the bacterium (antigen)
- Breath tests - to determine if carbon is present after drinking a solution
that breaks down urea
- Tissue tests - tissue removed during an endoscopy is used to:
- detect the presence of the enzyme urease
- examine the bacteria that is present
- start a culture test to grow more bacteria for
examination.
Treatment For H. pylori ulcers
Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on the
following:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the disease
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- The expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- Medications to suppress acid production, including:
- H2-blockers - to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by
blocking histamine, a powerful stimulant of acid secretion.
- Proton pump inhibitors - to more completely block stomach acid
production by stopping the stomach's acid pump - the final step of acid
secretion.