The Role of H. Pylori in Gastritis: Diagnosis in Adults

 

In India, H. pylori-related gastroduodenal diseases are common, affecting about 726 million individuals. H. pylori symptoms can vary from person to person, leading to stomach aches, unexpected and unplanned weight loss, vomiting in blood, and more. However, these symptoms are often uncommon and difficult to detect. If left untreated, H. pylori infections can be fatal, which is why early detection and treatment is crucial. This blog will discuss what an H. pylori infection is, its symptoms, its causes and how it leads to gastritis.

What is H. Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori, is a bacteria that causes stomach infections like gastritis and peptic ulcers in humans. While H. pylori infections usually occur in children, they also affect large percentages of adult populations.

What Causes H. Pylori Infections?

The H. pylori bacteria can be transmitted by oral contact or contact with contaminated blood, vomit, water, food, and stool. Risk factors include:

 

1. Exposure to unclean water supplies
2. Living in crowded areas
3. Residence in a developing country
4. Being in close contact with someone infected with the bacteria

What are the Symptoms of H. Pylori? 

H. pylori symptoms can vary from person to person, and most infected individuals never show any signs. However, when there are symptoms, they are typically associated with illnesses like gastritis and peptic ulcers. These include:

 

1. A burning or dull pain in the abdominal region
2. A stomach ache that worsens when empty-stomached
3. Nausea and loss of appetite
4. Frequent burping and bloating
5. Unintentional and unplanned weight loss

 

In severe cases, H. pylori infections can cause symptoms like:

 

1. Severe or chronic pain in the abdomen that disrupts sleep
2. Black or bloody vomit, or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
3. Black or bloody stool

 

If an individual is experiencing severe symptoms, it is crucial to visit a doctor immediately.

What is Gastritis, and How Does H. Pylori Cause It? 

Gastritis refers to conditions that cause inflammation in the stomach lining. It occurs when the mucus-lined barrier of the stomach is weakened or injured, allowing the stomach’s digestive juices to damage and inflame the lining. It is a common complication associated with H. pylori. The bacteria can damage the inner lining of the stomach, causing inflammation. Gastritis could also be caused by sensitivity to the bacteria, genetics, or lifestyle choices (like diet or smoking).

 

There are several types of gastritis. These include acute gastritis (a sudden and severe inflammation in the stomach lining), chronic gastritis (prolonged inflammation over a long period), and erosive gastritis (which can cause bleeding in the stomach lining). While the condition can be easily treated and improves quickly, in severe cases, it can cause ulcers and put individuals at a greater risk of developing stomach cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Like an H. pylori infection, gastritis may not always cause detectable signs. However, some common gastritis H. pylori symptoms to look for include:

 

1. Indigestion
2. A loss of appetite
3. Pain and bloating in the stomach
4. Nausea and vomiting

 

Gastritis can also cause ulcers in the stomach, which can bleed internally. In this case, symptoms include:

 

1. Black stool, blood in stool
2. Blackened blood in vomit, or vomit that resembles coffee grounds

 

If an individual presents with the above symptoms, it is essential to contact a doctor immediately.

How are H. Pylori and Gastritis Diagnosed? 

Healthcare professionals may conduct several tests to detect H. pylori or gastritis. These include:

 

1. H. Pylori Tests

 

To test helicobacter pylori, the tests conducted may include:

 

A. Breath Test: Individuals are asked to drink a solution and exhale into a bag before and after consuming it. The test measures carbon dioxide levels in the breath. Higher CO2 levels indicate the presence of H. pylori.

 

B. Stool Test: A stool sample is used to check for the presence of H. pylori.

 

C. Upper Endoscopy: An endoscopy may be conducted to check for inflammation in the esophagus and stomach. A small tissue sample (biopsy) is taken and sent to a lab for testing.

 

2. Gastritis Tests

 

Doctors may conduct several tests before a gastritis diagnosis. Some are similar to the H. pylori tests, including a breath test, stool test, and upper endoscopy. Other tests include:

 

A. Upper GI Series: This involves taking X-rays of the digestive tract after consuming a barium solution.

 

B. Blood Test: Blood tests look for signs, complications, and causes of gastritis.

How are Gastritis and H. Pylori Managed?

Preventing gastritis and H. pylori infections involves practising good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and consuming clean food and water. Avoiding excessive alcohol, smoking, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also helps reduce risks. Routine health check-ups can help with early detection and gastritis treatment.

 

If an individual has gastritis symptoms or an H. pylori infection, seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible is essential. Book a gastritis or H. pylori test with Dr Lal PathLabs today for accurate and easy testing.

FAQs

1. Can H. pylori cause gastritis?

Yes, H. pylori infections can cause gastritis by damaging the stomach lining and causing inflammation.

2. How can gastritis be prevented?

Good hygiene, limiting alcohol and smoking, and a healthy diet can prevent gastritis.