STOMACH HEALTH (H.Pyroli)

It is a bacteria that can often be found in the stomach. It is one of the most common bacteria found in the human body. About 40% of the UK adult population have H. Pylori at any one time.

The vast majority of people who are infected with H. Pylori do not suffer from any symptoms. However, H. Pylori affects the effectiveness of the protective lining of the stomach. Therefore the most common symptom of H. Pylori infection is indigestion.

No. Indigestion can be caused by many things, such as alcohol, some medications, certain foods and smoking.

The majority of people with H. Pylori infection do not have any symptoms. However H. Pylori is the leading cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers) which can be quite unpleasant. In mild circumstances they can cause discomfort and indigestion. More serious complications include bleeding and perforation (a hole in the stomach).

H. Pylori has been classed by the World Health Organisation as a cause of cancer in humans. The main type of cancer that it can cause is stomach cancer, which is the fifth most common cancer in the world.

However, the risk of developing stomach cancer from H. Pylori infection is still very low. Cancer Research UK says that about 1 to 3 people out of every 100 infected will go onto develop stomach cancer.

It is not clear how people become infected with H. Pylori. It seems that most people catch it from other human beings but the mode of transmission is not completely known. Therefore, there is nothing that can be done to prevent people from getting H. Pylori.

No. It is not clear how people become infected with H. Pylori and therefore there is no way to prevent people from becoming infected with H. Pylori.

H. Pylori is easily treated with a combination of antibiotics and a certain type of antacids, also known as proton pump inhibitors (or PPIs). These can all be taken orally, therefore people infected with H. Pylori do not have to be admitted to hospital. The tablets are usually taken for 1 week. However, your doctor will be able to advise you further on the treatment options. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies to medications you might have as this will affect your treatment.

There are lots of things you can do to help relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Stopping smoking - Smoking can cause heartburn and indigestion because it relaxes muscles around the stomach and food pipe (oesophagus). Stopping smoking can help with this, not to mention numerous other health benefits.

Dietary changes - peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods and hot drinks have been suggested to make symptoms worse. If you are suffering from indigestion then you might like to try cutting out some of these foods.

Lose weight - increased weight puts pressure on your stomach and oesophagus. Losing weight can help alleviate this pressure and relieve symptoms.

Cut out alcohol - similar to smoking, alcohol relaxes muscles around the stomach and oesophagus. Cutting out alcohol can prevent this relaxation and help with symptoms.

If you are suffering from any of the following, you should seek advice from your GP: vomiting, unintended weight loss, and painful or difficulty swallowing. This is because these symptoms may require further investigation.