Helicobacter pylori Is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that lives in the mucosal lining of the stomach. it can lead to stomach ulcer by producing urea Enzymes, which neutralize stomach acid and create a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. If not treated, it Infection Can cause significant gastrointestinal problems and require appropriate medical intervention. To know more, we spoke to Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj.

“This microorganism is basically a gram-negative bacterium that is spiral in shape, and it usually lives in the mucosal layer of the stomach. If it accumulates in the stomach, it can cause stomach ulcers. , and the real culprit behind this is the synthesis of the urea enzyme by this bacteria,” he says. This enzyme converts urea into ammonia and balances the stomach acid, making it a favorable environment for the growth and colonization of bacteria. goes.

When the stomach mucosa becomes irritated, its acidic content causes ulcers, says Dr Vatsya. “H. pylori colonizes the stomach and begins to synthesize urease, the enzyme that converts urea into ammonia, thereby neutralizing stomach acid. This makes the stomach environment ripe for bacterial growth. Adapts,” he explains. After this colonization phase, the body’s immune system becomes activated and initiates an inflammatory response. Additionally, according to him, some toxins are also produced by H. pylori, which damage the cells of the stomach mucosa.

Most of the time, this infection may be asymptomatic, but “symptomatic infection causes nausea, repeated vomiting, feeling full and loss of appetite, sudden weight changes and a burning sensation in the stomach, as well as dark There is also feces.” (signs of bleeding), etc”, says Dr Vatsya.

According to Dr. Vatsya, there are four specific diagnostic methods for H. pylori infection:

• Urea breath test in which the patient inhales a solution containing urea and the breath is analyzed for the presence of carbon dioxide gas.
• A stool antigen test is performed to detect the presence of H. pylori protein in the stool.
• Blood tests may also be done to detect antibodies against H. pylori.
• The stomach lining can be examined directly through endoscopy or biopsy to detect H. pylori.

Dr. Vatsya says, to treat Helicobacter infection, first of all, you should take a light diet and avoid eating spicy food. Avoiding alcohol or smoking also helps deal with ulcers. Additionally, he says, your health professional may suggest triple therapy or quadruple therapy. “In triple therapy, the combination of two antibioticsNamely amoxicillin and clarithromycin, along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), are given to reduce stomach acid. Whereas in quadruple therapy, two antibiotics are given along with a proton pump inhibitor and bismuth subsalicylate,” Dr. Vatsya tells us.

Recent research advances in H. pylori infection have led to new ways of treating it. Even if you have the slightest doubt, always consult a well-trained health care professional, as eliminating this bacteria is the only way to cure it.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.