แผลในกระเพาะ เพราะ “เชื้อเอชไพโลไร” (H. Pylori)

Many people may have experienced intermittent stomach pain—pain when hungry and pain when full—and thought it was just a common gastritis symptom, so they didn’t worry much. Taking medicine for a while should improve the condition… But for some who have had it for a long time and do not improve after taking gastritis medication, do not ignore it! Because these symptoms may be caused by an infection with a bacterium called “H. Pylori” (H. Pylori) . If not treated promptly, it may progress beyond just gastritis!!!
<h2>What is H. Pylori? 
</h2>
Helicobacter Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori), or simply called H. Pylori (H. Pylori) , is a bacterium that lives in the stomach lining but does not cause harm except in some cases where there is an acute or heavy infection. This can lead to ulcers in the stomach and intestines, which may eventually become severe enough to cause stomach cancer.
<h2>What are the symptoms of H. Pylori infection??? 
</h2>
Most H. Pylori infections are asymptomatic, but some patients may experience irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining, causing symptoms such as:
<ul>
<li>Intermittent chronic stomach pain, burning or aching in the upper abdomen above the navel, which worsens when the stomach is empty or after eating</li>
<li>Bloating, frequent burping</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Vomiting blood or vomiting dark brown colored material</li>
<li>Blood in stool, with stool appearing black like tar and having a strong foul odor</li>
</ul>
If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor promptly for thorough examination, diagnosis, and early treatment before the condition worsens.
<h2>How is H. Pylori infection transmitted? 
</h2>
The exact mode of H. Pylori transmission is not clearly identified, but it can be transmitted from person to person. It is suspected to occur through contact with the bacteria and unknowingly ingesting it, including consuming contaminated food and water. The risk increases if you live close to or share a household with someone infected with H. Pylori or live in areas with poor hygiene.
<h2>Confirming if it is “H. Pylori” infection??? 
</h2>
When symptoms are unclear whether they are caused by H. Pylori infection, those with suspicious symptoms should undergo detailed testing for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, which can be done by:
<ul>
<li>Blood test to detect antibodies produced by the body to fight the bacteria</li>
<li>Breath test using the Urea Breath Test, where the patient drinks urea labeled with radioactive carbon, then exhales into a bag to measure increased ammonia levels compared to normal people, since H. Pylori can convert urea into ammonia. If ammonia levels are significantly increased, it indicates <a style="color: #00826a;" href="https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/th/article/detail/%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2">H. Pylori in the digestive system</a></li>
<li>Stool test to collect stool samples to detect antibodies or antigens indicating infection</li>
<li>Endoscopy where a small camera attached to a device is inserted through the mouth to examine abnormalities in the digestive tract. In some cases, tissue samples may be taken for bacterial testing.</li>
</ul>
<h2>H. Pylori infection… can be treated 
</h2>
H. Pylori infection can be cured by changing eating habits and using antibiotics.
<ul>
<li>The doctor will prescribe a specific antibiotic regimen, which must be taken continuously for 1-2 weeks, with the choice of medication depending on the patient’s condition.</li>
<li>Patients should adjust their eating habits by eating on time or dividing meals into small portions 5-6 times a day to avoid prolonged empty stomach periods, which helps relieve stomach pain.</li>
</ul>
During treatment, patients should avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, and <a style="color: #00826a;" href="https://www.pobpad.com/nsaids">non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</a> because they may worsen irritation and increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
After treatment, the doctor will have the patient return for a follow-up test at least 4 weeks later to monitor treatment results. If the infection persists, the patient will need retreatment with different medications due to possible antibiotic resistance.
<h2>Possible complications from H. Pylori infection 
</h2>
H. Pylori infection causes stomach ulcers, which if not treated properly and promptly, may lead to dangerous complications such as:
<ul>
<li>Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by stomach ulcers leading to bleeding in the digestive tract and possibly anemia which is the most common complication</li>
<li>Stomach perforation where untreated ulcers cause a hole in the stomach. Patients will experience sudden severe upper abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, and severe pain when pressing on the stomach area.</li>
<li>Gastric obstruction preventing food from passing out of the stomach. Patients will feel full quickly, vomit, lose appetite, and lose weight.</li>
<li>Stomach cancer H. Pylori infection is a risk factor for stomach cancer.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to prevent H. Pylori infection 
</h2>
We can prevent H. Pylori infection by avoiding risks and reducing behaviors that may trigger stomach ulcers.
<ul>
<li>Wash hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food</li>
<li>Avoid eating and drinking unclean food and water, including undercooked food</li>
<li>Reduce consumption of spicy food, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking</li>
<li>Avoid using aspirin painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs</li>
<li>Manage stress and anxiety, and get enough rest</li>
<li>Exercise regularly</li>
</ul>
“H. Pylori” not only causes gastritis but is also a major factor in stomach cancer. Therefore, if diagnosed with “H. Pylori”, continuous treatment by a specialist and strict adherence to medical advice are essential.
If not treated promptly… stomach pain… may not be “just” ordinary stomach pain
&nbsp;
Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat 
Internal Medicine Specialist 
Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital

People with gastritis who do not improve after taking medication may have an infection with the bacterium "H. pylori," which, if not treated promptly, can progress to stomach cancer.

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