Gastric infection: drugs, causes, symptoms. etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition of gastric infection

Gastric infection is a disease that is generally caused by bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stomach organs. These bacteria attack the stomach wall causing a number of symptoms in the digestive system.

Some digestive system disorders have similar symptoms, including gastric infection. This disease has symptoms that are very similar to ulcers so that the treatment given is sometimes inadequate.

In fact, stomach infections can cause serious complications if not handled properly. An infection that gets worse can cause stomach ulcers, which are the formation of sores on the stomach wall to the small intestine.

Not only that, infection H. pylori can also develop into other diseases of the stomach and intestines. This is why bacterial infections that attack the digestive tract should be treated as early as possible when new symptoms appear.

How common is this condition?

Infection H. pylori stomach is a very common condition. It is estimated that about half the world's population has H. pylori in the digestive tract. However, existence H. pylori in the stomach does not always cause symptoms.

Signs & symptoms of gastric infection

Common symptoms of bacterial infection H. pylori at a glance similar to ordinary heartburn, namely a burning sensation and pain in the gut. The pain tends to be more intense on an empty stomach and may improve after eating.

That is why this disease is often misunderstood as an ulcer because it has not eaten. In fact, stomach infections should not be underestimated. In some cases, infection H. pylori associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.

This is because open sores in the stomach can cause damage to the cells that make up the digestive tract, which over time can lead to genetic mutations. This genetic mutation then turns normal healthy cells into cancer cells.

In addition to the general symptoms that are similar to ulcers, here are various symptoms of infection H. pylori others to watch out for.

• Abdominal pain that gets worse when you eat, drink, or take antacid medications.
• Don't want to eat because you are sick.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Bloated or bloated stomach.
• Burping.
• Acid reflux is characterized by burning and pain in the chest (heartburn).
• Burping often.
• Weight loss drastically even though you are not on a diet.
• Difficulty swallowing

When to see a doctor?

In severe cases, gastric infection can cause bleeding in the digestive tract. You may notice black stools, or vomit blood that looks like coffee.

The color change comes from blood that has been in the digestive tract for a long time and has been oxidized. Oxidized blood is darker in color than fresh blood, so it changes the color of the stool and vomit that comes out.

Immediately see a doctor if you experience changes in color and shape of the stool or vomit. In addition, you also need to see a doctor if you experience severe pain in your stomach or difficulty swallowing.

Causes and risk factors

What causes gastric infection?

Gastric infection is caused by a bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori. Bacteria H. pylori actually doesn't always hurt humans. In fact, many people don't even realize that they have these bacteria in their digestive system because they don't experience any symptoms.

New symptoms will be felt when these bacteria multiply in excess in the body, causing inflammation of the stomach. Inflammation can gradually develop into sores, aka ulcers in the stomach.

Helicobacter pylori including the type of bacteria that are "smart". They can survive in the highly acidic environment of the stomach by producing the enzyme urease. This enzyme converts urea into ammonia.

The effect of the urease enzyme then reduces the acidity of the stomach so that the atmosphere of the stomach becomes ideal for their reproduction. Over time, the number of bacteria H. pylori more and more booming beyond the safe limit.

The bacteria that cause stomach ulcers find food by digging the surface of the mucous membrane in the stomach wall. In fact, the mucous membrane serves to protect the stomach wall from the effects of stomach acid. As a result, there was inflammation and open wounds.

Other than that, H. pylori has the ability to hide from the immune system's radar so that it can go completely undetected. They disguise themselves by disrupting the function of the immune response in the digestive tract.

This bacterial "stubbornness" makes wounds and the resulting gastric inflammation tend to be difficult to heal. This is also what often makes people with gastric infection only realize the disease when the condition is severe enough.

Who is at risk for stomach infections?

Gastric infection is one of the most common digestive problems in developing countries like Indonesia. This condition usually occurs in childhood, although it is possible for adults to experience it as well.

You may be at risk of developing a stomach infection as a result H. pylori higher if the following conditions exist.

• Living in a crowded environment. The risk of infection is higher if you live with large numbers of people or in a densely populated environment.
• Living in a developing country. People in developing countries where the environment is dense or does not have adequate access to hygiene are more at risk of infection.
• Far from clean water sources. Clean water sources can reduce your risk of infection.
• Living with people with stomach infections. If the person you live with is infected H. pylori, You are at risk of developing a similar condition.

Environmental risk factors can be difficult to avoid. However, you can reduce your risk of developing stomach infections by avoiding a lifestyle that has a negative impact on digestive health.

Diagnosis and treatment

How do you diagnose a stomach infection?

If you experience symptoms of a stomach infection, your doctor will usually order a series of tests to detect bacteria H. pylori. If the cause is proven to be this bacteria, the doctor will provide a treatment that aims to eradicate the bacteria.

The following are various tests that are performed to diagnose infections of the stomach.

1. Blood test

A blood sample taken during a blood test can be used to detect the presence of bacteria H. pylori. However, doctors usually still need to do other tests that can detect these bacteria more accurately.

2. Breath test

You will swallow a pill or liquid that contains carbon. After that, you will be asked to exhale. If you have carbon in your breath, you have an infection H. pylori.

3. Stool test

The doctor will examine your stool sample for bacterial antigens. An antigen is a special protein that is owned by a microbe or virus. The presence of antigens is a sign that you are infected H. pylori.

4. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Endoscopy is performed by inserting a small, flexible tube called an endoscope into the esophagus, stomach and intestines. The endoscope is equipped with a camera on the end of the instrument so that the doctor can see first hand the condition of your stomach.

What are the treatment options available?

Infection H. pylori must be treated with antibiotics to kill bacteria. Doctors usually give at least two different types of antibiotics to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to one type of antibiotic.

In addition, doctors usually provide drugs to reduce stomach acid production. This step aims to help heal the lining of the stomach wall during antibiotic consumption.

The drugs used to reduce stomach acid production are as follows.

• Proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This drug stops the production of acidic fluids in the stomach. Examples of PPI drugs are omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.
• Histamine (H-2) blockers. This drug blocks the action of histamine, which is a substance that stimulates the production of stomach acid. Example of H2 blockers namely cimetidine.
• Bismuth subsalicylate. Better known as the commercial brand Pepto-Bismol, this drug works by coating the stomach wall and protecting it from the effects of stomach acid.

About one month after treatment, doctors will generally do another test to see if treatment was successful.

If the infection persists, you may need to undergo treatment again with a different combination of drugs.

Home treatment of gastric infections

What are some home remedies that can help with this condition?

Bacteria Helicobacter pylori usually found in densely populated places that are dirty and lack sanitation. These bacteria enter through the mouth and digestive tract through contact with contaminated hands or food.

Therefore, it is the most effective way to prevent infection H. pylori namely by maintaining food hygiene. You need to make sure that both the food ingredients and the processing are really clean.

Wash every food ingredient before processing and make sure to cook the food until it's cooked perfectly. Wash your hands with clean water before and after eating, as well as before and after processing food ingredients.

Another thing that is equally important is not sharing eating utensils with people who are infected with bacteria Helicobacter pylori. The reason is, these bacteria can also be transmitted through contact between mouth and mouth.

Stomach infection due to bacteria H. pylori including health problems that are quite common. Unfortunately, this is also what makes the handling sometimes wrong. The symptoms are so similar to ulcers that they are often underestimated.

If you experience signs of stomach infection, do not delay to see a doctor. Early check-ups can help you recover faster from the infection.