In my years of medical practice, I have met many patients like Mr. Li. Mr. Li, an ordinary middle-aged man, was busy and didn't pay attention to his body until one day, he came to my clinic with persistent stomach pain and indigestion. After examination, the results revealed a shocking fact: Mr. Li was infected with Helicobacter pylori. This is not uncommon – in fact, many people are inadvertently enduring this microbial infestation. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can silently invade our stomach and cause a series of diseases, has become the killer of modern health.
So, how can you recognize the warning signs of Helicobacter pylori in time? Once these 3 manifestations appear in the body, there is a good chance that you are 'infected' with Helicobacter pylori.
Helicobacter pylori, a common but often overlooked bacterium, inhabits the gastric lining of many people. This spiral-shaped bacterium not only survives in a highly acidic stomach environment, but can also cause a variety of stomach diseases. Studies have shown that long-term undiagnosed H. pylori infection may increase the risk of gastritis, stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer. Infection can be carried out in a variety of ways, including food, water, and even human contact. Knowing the basics of H. pylori is essential for prevention and early**.
Persistent stomach pain: An alarm of stomach discomfort
Persistent stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms of H. pylori infection. This pain may be dull or tingling and often occurs in the middle and upper areas of the stomach. The peculiarity is that this pain can be diet-related, especially on an empty stomach. When gastric acid secretion increases, the gastric lining is more irritated, causing pain.
Recurrent dyspepsia: disorders of stomach function
Recurrent indigestion is also a telltale sign of infection. This can include bloating, nausea, feelings of fullness, and discomfort after eating. Helicobacter pylori interferes with the normal digestive process by damaging the gastric mucosa and affecting gastric acid secretion. Long-term indigestion not only affects the quality of daily life, but can also lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
Upset stomach after eating: Mistaken for satiety
People infected with H. pylori may experience a particular stomach upset after eating, which is usually temporarily relieved after eating but reappears soon after。This is because food intake temporarily neutralizes stomach acid and reduces irritation of the gastric mucosa, but as stomach acid re-accumulates, symptoms return**.
Helicobacter pylori** typically involves a range of antibiotics and acidity-regulating drugs. It is important that the plan should be developed by the doctor on an individual basis. Common methods include:
Double or triple antibiotics**This method combines two or three antibiotics to improve the chances of Helicobacter pylori. For example, amoxicillin and clarithromycin are often used together.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs):Omeprazole, for example, is used to reduce gastric acid secretion and create a more favorable environment for antibiotics.
Adjunctive Medications:Such as bismuth, which helps to repair the gastric mucosa and reduce symptoms.
**Precautions during the process:
Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor and do not adjust the dose or interrupt it on your own**.
Monitoring***Antibiotics may cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora, watch and report any discomfort.
Review:**After the end, a re-examination is done to confirm that the H. pylori has been thoroughly treated**.
Prevention is better than **: a preventive strategy for Helicobacter pylori infection
The key to preventing H. pylori infection is to maintain good personal hygiene and a healthy eating pattern.
Personal Hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently: Especially before and after eating and after using the restroom.
Drink safe water: Avoid drinking untreated water.
Eating habits:
Avoid raw foods:Make sure meat and seafood are cooked and reduce your intake of undercooked foods.
Fresh food:Choose fresh, unpolluted vegetables and fruits.
Regular medical check-ups:
In particular, if you have symptoms such as stomach pain or indigestion, you should seek medical attention in time.
By doing so, we can not only reduce the risk of H. pylori infection, but also improve the overall quality of life. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is the first step in preventing various diseases.