H. pylori: H pylori, the silent killer of gastric cancer
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori; H.pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach of mammals such as humans, monkeys, cats, dogs, etc. This bacteria has the ability to live in highly acidic conditions. causing inflammation or ulcers in the stomach and duodenum and is the main cause of stomach cancer
Symptoms of H pylori infection: People with this infection in their stomach may not have any unusual symptoms, or have stomach pain or distension from inflammation or ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. If the wound is very deep, there may be complications from the wound, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. If there is a small amount of bleeding, symptoms of anemia are seen with normal stool color. But if there is a large amount of bleeding, there will be black stools. or if the wound is deeper, it can cause a puncture wound which has severe abdominal pain
H. pylori H pylori and gastric cancer: The most important thing that we need to know is that H pylori can cause stomach cancer without any warning symptoms brought before. The incidence is 1-3% of H infection. All pylori, if the initial stage of stomach cancer does not show any abnormal symptoms. until the tumor occupies a wider area Patients will have reduced eating symptoms. Feeling full faster than usual, losing weight, or having black stools from bleeding from a cancerous mass which if there are such symptoms Usually cannot be cured.
Diagnosis and Treatment: H pylori infection can be diagnosed in several ways, including endoscopy and biopsy. breath examination or stool examination Antacids should be discontinued for at least 2 weeks and antibiotics and bismuth compounds should be discontinued at least 4 weeks prior to infection testing. If infection is found, it should be treated by taking antacids along with 2-3 antibiotics for 10-14 days, depending on the drug regimen chosen by the doctor. and should be re-examined by one of the methods to confirm that H infection is treated Pyloride is gone
Who should be advised to get tested for H pylori infection?
- People with chronic pain in the upper abdomen from the stomach and not responding to appropriate treatment.
- People who use non-steroidal pain relievers. or long-term use of aspirin with anticoagulants or steroids
- People with ulcers or inflammation in the stomach or duodenum.
- people with stomach cancer To prevent other gastric cancers
- People who have a close relative with stomach cancer which can detect early stage gastric cancer by endoscopy Therefore, even if there are no abnormal symptoms should come to detect this infection using endoscopic methods
Prevention of H pylori infection: The bacteria are found in saliva, feces, and unheated food. Therefore, to maintain hygiene, wash your hands before eating, use a middle spoon, eat cooked food. It’s the best method of protection. and if there are indications for the detection of H pylori as mentioned above especially the history of direct relatives with stomach cancer should consult a doctor to receive further inspection recommendations. Because it may be able to detect early stomach cancer and be cured.
References: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of patients with HELICOBACTER PYLORI infection in Thailand, 2015.
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