12/11/2025
Pylori Infection and Stomach Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining. While most people who carry the bacteria never experience symptoms, it is the primary cause of chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and peptic ulcers.
How it Causes Ulcers:
The stomach lining is protected by a layer of mucus, which shields it from strong stomach acid. H. pylori damages this protective system in two main ways:
* Neutralizing Acid: The bacteria produce an enzyme called urease, which neutralizes the stomach acid in the area immediately surrounding them. This allows the bacteria to survive and burrow into the mucus layer.
* Inflammation and Damage: As the bacteria colonize the lining, they cause chronic inflammation. This weakens the mucus barrier, allowing stomach acid and digestive enzymes to reach the sensitive tissue underneath, leading to the formation of painful open sores called peptic ulcers (which include gastric ulcers in the stomach and duodenal ulcers in the upper small intestine).