28/01/2022
* *Helicobacter* *pylori* ( *H* . *pylori* ) infection occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. This usually happens during childhood. A common cause of peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the people in the world.
Most people don't realize they have H. pylori infection, because they never get sick from it. If you develop signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will probably test you for H. pylori infection. If it's positive, it can be treated.
*Symptoms*
Most people with H. pylori infection will never have any signs or symptoms. It's not clear why this is, but some people may be born with more resistance to the harmful effects of H. pylori.
Signs or symptoms of H. pylori infection may include:
-An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
-Abdominal pain that's worse when your stomach is empty
Nausea
-Loss of appetite
-Unintentional weight loss
- black/ bloody stool
*Complications* *associated* *with* *H* . *pylori* *infection* include:
-Ulcers. H. pylori can damage the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine. This can allow stomach acid to create an open sore (ulcer). About 10% of people with H. pylori will develop an ulcer.
-Inflammation of the stomach lining. H. pylori infection can irritate your stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis).
-Stomach cancer. H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
*Note* H.pylori test is also recommended to healthy people (no signs or symptoms of infection) Therefore check yourself for H.phylori.