Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach is dangerous?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by a doctor of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
H. pylori bacteria is the causative agent of stomach diseases in humans, however, only a small number of people infected with H. pylori in the stomach have the disease. About 80% of people with an H. pylori infection in the stomach have no symptoms or complications, about 10-15% will develop a peptic ulcer, and only 1-3% will develop stomach cancer after the procedure. inflammatory process caused by H. pylori for more than ten years in the stomach.

1. Current status of HP infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacteria found in the mucous layer of the stomach lining. H. pylori is found all over the world, especially developing countries like Vietnam.
Due to poor understanding of the effects of HP on human health in the population, leading to unnecessary worries when only in the form of asymptomatic carriers, or indifference when the risk develops. Cancer is near. Many people rush to get tested for HP and worry when they find out they have a positive result.
H. pylori infection in the stomach can be considered normal, because more than half of the people living on this planet have H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. In poor countries, infection rates are even higher. In Vietnam, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the population is up to 75%. Nearly all cases of H. pylori infection present with chronic gastritis on histological examination, however most remain asymptomatic. Most adults are infected with H. pylori as a result of infection during childhood, and H. pylori will persist for the rest of life if left untreated.
H. pylori infection in the stomach is very common in the world. More than 80% of people infected with H. pylori cause no symptoms or complications, only a small percentage of people with H. pylori infection in the stomach have serious medical consequences that require treatment and monitoring.

2. What diseases do H. pylori bacteria cause in humans?

Helicobacter pylori causes the following diseases in humans:
Acute gastritis Chronic gastritis Stomach and duodenal ulcers MALT type gastric lymphoma Hemorrhagic idiopathic thrombocytopenia Non-ulcerative dyspepsia The agent is mainly associated with gastric cancer in humans. The process of gastric cancer formation after H. pylori infection usually lasts for decades, an average of 30 years

3. Symptoms of H. pylori infection

Adults and children infected with H. pylori often have no symptoms, even when H. pylori causes gastritis to a level that can be seen with the naked eye through endoscopy, there are no symptoms. When H. pylori causes symptoms, it is usually a symptom of a peptic ulcer. In children, symptoms of gastritis are usually nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper abdomen. However, these symptoms are also present in other diseases. In older children and adults the symptoms of a peptic ulcer are a burning, burning sensation and pain in the upper abdomen, mid-rib area, and above the navel. Pain increases with hunger and decreases with eating, drinking milk or taking stomach medicine such as Phosphalugel. Ulcers may also be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose without endoscopy.
Stomach ulcers can also cause stomach bleeding complications, which manifest as vomiting blood, passing black stools like coffee grounds. Chronic ulcers that last for many years can cause fibrous scarring, causing pyloric stenosis.
>> See more: Photodynamic therapy and vaccines in the treatment of helicobacter pylori - Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - General Hospital Vinmec Central Park International Faculty

4. Who needs treatment to eradicate H. pylori bacteria?

In the eradication of H. pylori in humans, there are clear indications because there is scientific evidence to support the benefits of eradication therapy. In addition, there are indications that medical scientists are still debating, there is no consensus or need to wait for more scientific evidence about the benefits of eradication. The following indications for H. pylori eradication treatment have been proposed:
Stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer. History of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Lymphoma of gastric mucosa. After resection of early gastric cancer. People with first-degree blood relatives with people with stomach cancer. Gastritis or gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori. Non-ulcer gastrointestinal disorders. Long-term aspirin use, long-term use of NSAIDs to treat joint and cardiovascular disease is required. Atrophic gastritis, gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia. Reflux esophagitis requires long-term PPIs. Iron-deficiency anemia of unknown cause. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Cases of HP infection but there is no indication for treatment, infected people need to participate in gastric cancer screening program when they reach the age of 40-50 years old.
It is possible that when colonoscopy to screen for stomach cancer at the age of 40-50 years old discovered new lesions in the stomach, leading to the doctor deciding to treat the patient to eradicate, even before that. 10-20 years ago Doctor said no need for treatment.
The package of screening and early detection of gastrointestinal cancer (esophagus - stomach - colon) of Vinmec hospital combines clinical and paraclinical examination to bring the most accurate results possible. When registering for the package, customers will be guided:
Gastroenterology examination with an Oncologist (by appointment) Gastroscopy and colonoscopy with NBI endoscope with anesthesia Laboratory total peripheral blood count (laser counter) Automated prothrombin time test Automated thrombin time test Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test by Automated General Abdominal Ultrasound With the desire to bring customers the experience of dedicated examination and caring service, especially at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital (HCMC) dedicated to 10% discount for customers who sign up for the package of screening and early detection of gastrointestinal cancer (esophagus - stomach - colon) from November 8, 2019 - November 30, 2019.
Customers can go directly to Vinmec Central Park (HCMC) to visit or contact hotline 0283 6221 166 for support.
Contact information at other hospitals of Vinmec Health System nationwide:
Vinmec Times City: 024 3974 3556 458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi Vinmec Ha Long: 0203 3828 188 10A Le Thanh Tong , Hong Gai, Ha Long, Hong Gai, Ha Long Vinmec Hai Phong : 0225 730 9888 Vo Nguyen Giap, Le Chan District, Hai Phong City, Vinh Niem Ward, Le Chan District, Hai Phong Vinmec Da Nang : 0236 3711 111 Street April 30, Residential Area No. 4 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City Vinmec Nha Trang : 0258 3900 168 42A Tran Phu, Vinh Nguyen, Nha Trang Vinmec Phu Quoc : 0297 398 5588 Bai Dai , Win the Seal, Phu Quoc, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.