The Enemy of the Stomach: Helicobacter pylori – Health News

Abdominal pain, bloating after eating and nausea… There are many people who complain of similar complaints. While these conditions are sometimes caused for a simple reason, they can sometimes be the harbinger of health problems that pave the way for more serious illnesses. Just like Helicobacter pylori… Moreover, most people do not even realize that they carry this bacterium.

Helicobacter pylori, which causes serious stomach ailments if not taken care of, can be successfully treated. However, there is a chance of recurrence after a while. University of Health Sciences Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Alpaslan Tanoğlu talked to Mine Yagıcı Çiftci from TRT Haber about the health problems that can be caused by Helicobacter pylori and the ways to prevent it.

There is a mucus structure in the inner wall of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori hides in this mucus and continues to live there. It is a microorganism that causes diseases such as gastritis and ulcers by damaging the stomach tissue. It finds a place in the stomach and colonizes.

Stomach acid resistant

Many different organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are not normally resistant to stomach acid and die in a short time. However, this does not apply to Helicobacter pylori.

“Helicobacter pylori is a rare microorganism that can live in the stomach and thereby cause disease,” Assoc said. Dr. Tanoğlu continues his words as follows:

“There is a mucus structure in the mucous membrane of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori hides in this mucus and continues to live there. It is a microorganism that causes diseases such as gastritis and ulcers by damaging the stomach tissue. It finds a place in the stomach and colonizes it.”

Seen halfway around the world

Although Helicobacter pylori varies from country to country, it affects nearly half of the world’s population. The incidence in Turkey is Assoc. Dr Tanoglu explains:

“In studies conducted in our country, it has been established that the incidence of Helicobacter pylori is around eighty percent. While Helicobacter pylori colonization in the stomach is about 60-70% in western regions such as Marmara and the Aegean Sea, it is reported to be higher in eastern and southeastern Anatolia.”

Watch out for drinking water

So what causes Helicobacter pylori? In fact, the risk factors have not been clearly established. However, some transmission routes and causative factors are known. For example, one is contaminated drinking water… Assoc. Dr. “Unfortunately, in places where reliable drinking water sources are insufficient, the water is polluted and this bacteria can become infected,” says Tanoğlu. Poorly washed fruits and vegetables are also one of the reasons for the appearance of this bacteria. Tanoğlu describes other possible modes of transmission as follows:

“Living in a large family is a risk factor. Because even if one member of the family has Helicobacter pylori, it can be passed on to the others. We take this bacteria orally. It is possible with ordinary materials such as plates and glasses.”

“Any patient with Helicobacter pylori does not form a tumor, that is, cancer does not occur. However, this bacteria increases the risk of cancer. It can cause more cancer, especially in those who have had cancer before or have a family history of cancer or migrate from places where cancer rates are high because of Helicobacter pylori.

It can even cause cancer

Helicobacter pylori can cause pain – just below the ribs – in those infected. Other complaints include indigestion, nausea, gas, loss of appetite. It is not only limited to this… It causes diseases such as gastritis and ulcers in the following periods. associate. Dr. Tanoğlu also underlines that helicobacter pylori can cause cancer:

“Any patient with Helicobacter pylori does not form a tumor, that is, cancer does not occur. However, this bacteria increases the risk of cancer. It can cause more cancer, especially in those who have had cancer before or have a family history of cancer, or migrate from places where cancer rates are high because of Helicobacter pylori.

Can be treated successfully

Fortunately, Helicobacter pylori can be successfully treated. It is possible to get rid of this bacteria after about two weeks of treatment. However, some time after the end of treatment should be monitored for the risk of recurrence. Likewise, it is recommended to check other family members as well.

To be protected against this bacteria, it is necessary to pay attention to the hygiene of drinking water. It is equally important to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Those with stomach upset should see a doctor to avoid possible illnesses that could develop due to Helicobacter pylori.