Gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infection
It seems that more and more medical specialists are talking about the emotional gastritis as a form or type of gastritis caused by emotional rather than physical conditions; that is, it does not arise as a consequence of an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by certain habits (such as drinking too much alcohol, smoking or eating spicy foods), but is associated by causes directly related to emotions: mainly by stress, anxiety and nervousness.
Although there are different types of gastritis, whose causes are well differentiated, when we talk about gastritis we refer principally and generally to the inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
What is the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori?
The one known as Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori It is a spiral-shaped bacterium, which grows in the mucous layer that lines the inside of our stomach, infecting the mucosa of both the stomach and the duodenum. It was originally discovered in 1983, and since then it has been related to the origin of certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer or chronic gastritis, as well as some tumors.
Infection with this bacterium usually occurs during childhood, being more frequent in developing countries. These infections usually occur through direct mouth-to-mouth contact, or through water and food.
Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori gastritis
Once the person has acquired the infection by Helicobacter Pylori, in most cases there are usually no symptoms, which means that this bacteria does not cause any problems.
However, only on certain occasions can it cause the following symptoms:
- Irritation in the stomach
- Acidity sensation
- Sickness.
- Abdominal swelling
- Sensation of fullness, reducing appetite even in spite of not having eaten, or having eaten little.
Consequences of Helicobacter Pylori infection
As indicated above, in most cases this bacterium does not produce symptoms. But in some patients, yes. In these cases it can cause not only gastritis, but also digestive ulcers, duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers.
In more exceptional cases it can cause stomach cancer, especially MALT gastric lymphoma.
How is this type of gastritis diagnosed?
First of all it is necessary to know if there has been or not contagion by Helicobacter Pylori; that is, whether the bacteria exists or not. For this there are certain tests and analyzes, such as the breath test, a test consisting of analyzing the breath of the person after having ingested a substance called Urea marked with a non-radioactive isotope. The bacteria transforms this substance into CO2 and into ammonia. Then the CO2 passes into the blood and is eliminated by the lungs, which allows it to be detected in the exhaled air.
For diagnose gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infection, the following methods can be performed:
- Gastric endoscopy: invasive method that provides the possibility of taking samples of the stomach mucosa for further study. It is the most effective and accurate form of diagnosis, and allows you to precisely define the gastritis pattern.
- Gastroscopy: it is a procedure in which the doctor introduces a thin tube that has a camera, through the mouth of the patient and up to the stomach. It allows to discover signs of inflammation in the coating and allows to take a sample.
- Stool analysis: the objective is to look for Helicobacter Pylori antigens.
- Blood test: to measure the red blood cell count, and detect anemia.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori gastritis
Generally the treatment of this type of gastritis includes certain medications that help when it comes to reducing both stomach acidity and when stimulating the healing of the lining of the stomach. They are the following:
- Antacids: help relieve symptoms. We must bear in mind that the acid irritates the inflamed tissue, so they are very useful in the treatment.
- Histamine 2 blockers: decrease the production of acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): much more effective than histamine 2 blockers.
It is also advisable to make a series of changes in lifestyle, such as:
- Changes in diet: avoid very spicy or spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages.
- Smoke: It is advisable to reduce or eliminate tobacco completely.
- Medicines: Certain medications can increase irritation of the stomach lining. The doctor will be the appropriate specialist to indicate whether or not to continue taking them.
Images | Ed Uthman / AJ Cann This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesInfections Gastrointestinal disorders
