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About Ulcers and Gastritis

Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) is a bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). This organism can weaken the protective coating of the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestines), allowing the damaging digestive juices to irritate the sensitive lining of these body parts.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an irritation, inflammation or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly or over time.

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by a variety of reasons irritation due to chronic vomiting, excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following bacteria's and infections:

  • Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder).
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach.
  • Infections caused by bacteria and viruses
  • Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss in blood, or in some cases increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

What are Gastritis Risk Factors?

  • Bacterial infection
  • Regular use of pain relievers
  • Older age
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Stress
  • Bile reflux disease
  • Your own body attacking cells in your stomach
  • Other diseases and conditions. Gastritis may be associated with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease and parasitic infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

  • Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
  • Hiccups
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
  • Black, tarry stools

What Is an Ulcer?

Ulcers are small holes in the stomach or intestinal lining that can create big problems. Without treatment, an ulcer can continue to grow and become very painful. If not treated early, it may eat through the lining of your stomach or intestine.

What Causes Ulcers?

  • A bacterium. A common cause of ulcers is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori bacteria commonly live and multiply within the mucous layer that covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine.
  • Regular use of pain relievers. Certain over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can irritate or inflame the lining of your stomach and small intestine. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), ketoprofen and others. Peptic ulcers are more common in older adults who take pain medications frequently, such as might be common in people with osteoarthritis.
  • Other medications. Other prescription medications that can also lead to ulcers include medications used to treat osteoporosis called bisphosphonates (Actonel, Fosamax, others).

What Are Ulcer Risk Factors?

  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Have uncontrolled stress. Although stress alone isn't a cause of peptic ulcers, it is a contributing factor.

Ulcer and Gastritis Symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Dyspepsia or indigestion
  • Bloating and fullness
  • Mild nausea (may be relieved by vomiting)
  • Belching and regurgitation
  • Feeling very hungry 1 to 3 hours after eating

How We Can Help

WHY you should test for H. Pylori?

  • Accurate, rapid diagnosis of H. Pylori infection
  • FDA-cleared for confirmation of cure
  • Easy on patient
  • H. Pylori is a Class 1 carcinogen

WHO should take the test?

  • Patients previously infected with H. Pylori
  • Patients on PPI's or NSAIDs
  • Patients with dyspepsia
  • Recommend testing all symptomatic family members

WHEN should you take the test?

  • Before prescribing PPI's or NSAIDs
  • Following resection of early gastric cancer and for low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma
  • After treatment for H. Pylori to confirm cure
  • Patient is still symptomatic

HOW is the test performed?

  • A sample is taken by having the patient inhale, hold their breath for 4-5 seconds, and then exhale into a special collection bag.
  • The patient then drinks a special solution using a plastic straw provided by lab personnel.
  • The patient waits 15 minutes, and then a second breath sample is taken in another collection bag using the same procedure as Step 1.

For the most accurate results:

  • The patient should have no food for at least 1 hour before the test.
  • The patient should have not taken antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or bismuth preparations for 2 weeks prior to the test.

All procedures are directed by the guidance of your South Bay Family Medical Group primary care physician.

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