«Helicobacter pylori» is a very common bacterium that can colonize the stomachs of people. Although it often does not show symptoms, it can cause gastritis or stomach or duodenal ulcers. It has the ability to protect itself from stomach acid due to an enzyme, which gives it a «chemical shield» against it and also because the mucous layer covering the mucosa is hidden.
«It is important that it can be easily diagnosed and, if necessary, treated and successfully eliminated,» says in an interview with Europe Press Health Infosalus Dr. Conrado Fernández Rodríguez, head of the digestive system at the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital.
With this, the professor also tied at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid affirms that the main evidence available to detect «H. pylori» is:
·The Breath testis one of the most widely used, as it is simple, non-invasive, and very reliable; In it, the patient drinks a solution containing urea, and if the bacteria are present, it breaks down and generates a gas that is detected in the exhaled air.
·The Stool antigen testis also very useful and non-invasive, as it detects the presence of bacterial proteins in patient samples.
· Gastric biopsy is performed during an endoscopy; It is reserved above all in cases where, in addition to confirming the infection, the condition of the stomach needs to be evaluated if there are suspicions of wounds, ulcers, or a certain complication.
· The Serological testthat measures antibodies in the blood is used less, as it detects whether the person has been exposed, but does not differentiate whether the infection is active or has already been treated.
–The most reliable are the breath test and the stool antigen test. Both are very accurate, easy to perform, and allow confirming if the infection is active, which is essential for deciding on treatment. Biopsy is also very accurate, but when it is invasive, it is reserved for specific cases where endoscopy needs to be performed,» confirms this expert.
In general, as he continues, if an endoscopy is not needed, non-invasive tests are the preferred choice: «We use the breath or stool test for the initial diagnosis and to confirm if the bacteria have disappeared after treatment.»
Of course, the head of the digestive system at the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital points out that there are a number of Factors that can influence the reliability of these tests: «Medications such as gastric acid inhibitors or recent antibiotics can alter the tests. Therefore, it is important to wait a few weeks after treatment to confirm if the bacteria have disappeared. And therefore, we always give clear instructions before doing so.»
He reminds us that The transmission of «Helicobacter pylori» mainly occurs in childhood And, although it is not always known for certain, the main routes are fecal-oral and oral-oral. «This means that it can be transmitted through contaminated food or water or by direct contact with saliva, for example, by sharing utensils or kissing in certain circumstances,» says Dr. Fernández Rodríguez.
This specialist also states that it is most common in environments where there are overcrowded or poor hygienic conditions. «Hygiene measures to prevent transmission include: washing hands thoroughly, consuming clean water, and avoiding sharing utensils; there is no vaccine, but prevention is possible with these simple habits,» describes this expert.
Many people with the infection do not have symptomsAccording to this gastroenterologist, although he emphasizes that, when present, they are most commonly discomfort in the upper abdomen, a burning sensation or acidity, as well as heavy digestion and even nausea.
«Sometimes, there may also be bloating or loss of appetite. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is important to remember that not all digestive problems are due to this bacterium, but it is a cause to consider,» says Dr. Fernández.
In the case of a positive result, this expert at the Alcorcón Foundation says that the treatment consists of a Combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteriaWith a medication that reduces stomach acidity: «This helps the antibiotics to be more effective, as it repairs the gastric mucosa. It usually takes between 10 and 14 days.»
In some cases, he states that bismuth salts can be added, which increases effectiveness, especially when there is suspicion of resistance. In his opinion, it is also very important to follow the guidance given by the doctor, as treatments usually involve taking multiple tablets or capsules per day. «When completed correctly, cure rates are very high,» says this university professor.
Once the treatment is completed, the breath or stool antigen test is carried out a few weeks later to confirm that the bacteria have completely disappeared, concludes Dr. Conrado Fernández Rodríguez, head of the digestive system at the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital.
