Stomach germs. Symptoms, causes and treatment

What is stomach germs, what are their symptoms in adults and children, are they contagious, and what is their treatment?

Stomach germ

Stomach germs, whose scientific name is Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. They are the leading cause of stomach ulcers and can cause gastritis and stomach cancer, according to the MedlinePlus database of the National Library of Medicine in the United States.

Symptoms of stomach germs

Most people suffer from bacteria for years without knowing it because they don't have any symptoms. Experts also don't know why, according to Johns Hopkins University.

You may have redness and swelling, meaning inflammation in the lining of your stomach, which is called gastritis.

You may develop peptic sores or ulcers in your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

Symptoms of ulcers may include abdominal pain, which can be:

• Persistent mild pain.
• Pain that occurs 2 to 3 hours after eating.
• Pain that appears and then disappears for several days or weeks.
• Pain that occurs in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty.
• Pain that disappears when taking medications that reduce the level of stomach acid (antacids).

Other symptoms of an ulcer may include:

• Weight loss.
• Not feeling hungry.
• Puffiness.
• Burping.
• Feeling of upset stomach or nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Black stools.

Ulcer symptoms may look like other health problems. And always see your healthcare provider to be sure.

Symptoms of stomach germs in children

Many people who become infected with stomach germs are not aware of this. Often, this infection doesn't cause symptoms, according to Kids Health.

When bacteria cause symptoms, they are usually either symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.

In children, symptoms of gastritis may include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Puffiness.
• In older children and adults, the most common symptom of peptic ulcer is permanent or burning abdominal pain, usually in the area below the ribs and above the navel. This pain often gets worse on an empty stomach and improves as soon as you eat, drink milk or take antacid medications.

Peptic ulcers that bleed can cause:

• Bloody vomiting or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.
• Black, bloody or tar-like stools.

Symptoms of stomach germs for pregnant women

Symptoms are generally the same as before, however you should see a doctor.

Causes of stomach germs

Stomach germs are found in about 50% to 75% of the world's population, and do not cause disease in most people. It is believed that the stomach germ may be spread through unclean food and water, or through contact with an infected person's saliva and other body fluids, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Stomach germs can be transmitted from person to person. Stomach germs have been found in saliva, plaque on teeth (plaque) and feces. The infection can be spread by kissing, and the bacteria are transmitted from the hands of those who have not washed them thoroughly after defecation.

Scientists believe that the stomach germ may also spread through contaminated water and food.

Is stomach germs contagious?

Yes, stomach germs are contagious and can be transmitted from person to person.

Is stomach germs contagious between spouses?

The stomach germ is contagious and can be transmitted between spouses, the stomach germ has been found in saliva, and the infection can be spread by kissing.

The danger of stomach germs

The stomach germ multiplies in the mucous layer of the lining of the stomach and duodenum. The bacteria secrete an enzyme called urease that converts urea into ammonia. And this ammonia protects bacteria from stomach acid. When the stomach germ multiplies, it feeds on stomach tissue, leading to gastritis and/or stomach ulcers.

The relationship between stomach germs and stomach cancer

If you have a stomach germ infection, your risk of stomach cancer may increase later in life. If you have a strong family history of stomach cancer and other cancer risk factors, although you may not have symptoms of stomach ulcers, your health care provider may recommend testing for stomach germs.

Analysis of stomach germs

If your health care provider suspects that H. pylori may be causing a stomach ulcer, he or she may order one or more of the following tests:

• Breath test: In this test, you exhale in a bag before and after drinking a solution. The test measures the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into your breath before and after drinking the solution. A higher level after drinking the solution means the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
• Stool test: This test looks for evidence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in a stool sample.
• Upper endoscopy: A flexible tube is inserted down the throat into the stomach. A small tissue sample is taken from the stomach or lining of the intestine to check for the presence of stomach germs.

Treatment of stomach germs

If you don't have symptoms, treatment is not needed. If you've been diagnosed with stomach germs, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications can increase the risk of ulcers.

Ulcers caused by stomach germs are treated with a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor that reduces acidity, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

• Antibiotics: Two types of antibiotics are usually prescribed. Popular options include amoxicillin, clarithromycin (clarithromycin) and metronidazole (metronidazole).
• Proton pump inhibitors: Commonly used proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole or esomeprazole.
• Bismuth subsalicylate: Sometimes this drug is added to antibiotics with the aforementioned proton pump inhibitor formulations. This drug protects the lining of the stomach.

Complex therapy is usually taken for 14 days.

When does a stomach germ die?

There is no single medication that treats stomach germ infection, and most treatment regimens involve taking several medications for 14 days.

Your health care provider will repeat the breath and/or stool test after waiting at least two weeks after proton pump inhibitor treatment and 4 weeks after antibiotic treatment.

When do the symptoms of stomach germs disappear?

Symptoms of stomach germs, as mentioned above, may be caused by gastritis and stomach ulcers. The disappearance of these symptoms depends on the treatment of these health conditions.

Herbal treatment of stomach germs

Many studies have been conducted on natural stomach germ treatments. Most treatments reduced the number of bacteria in the stomach but failed to eradicate them altogether, according to a report in Healthline.

Consult your doctor before starting any herbal treatment, these tips are for general guidance, and are never a substitute for a doctor. You should not replace the recommended treatment for stomach germs with natural remedies.

With your doctor's approval, you can use natural remedies as adjuvant therapy. This may increase the effects of conventional medicines.

Probiotics

Probiotics help maintain a balance between good and bad gut bacteria. According to a 2012 study, taking probiotics before or after standard germ treatment may improve eradication rates. Antibiotics kill the good and harmful bacteria in your stomach. Probiotics help replenish good bacteria.

Green tea

A 2009 study in mice showed that green tea may help kill and slow the growth of stomach germs, and drinking tea during infection reduces the severity of gastritis.

olive oil

A 2007 study showed that olive oil has strong antibacterial abilities against 8 strains of stomach germs.

Broccoli sprouts

A compound in broccoli sprouts called sulphoraphane may be effective against stomach germs. Research in mice and humans suggests that it reduces gastritis.

Treatment of stomach germs with garlic

There is no effective natural remedy for stomach germs, but a 2016 study said that garlic has antibacterial effects and can be prescribed with routine medications to treat stomach germ infections.

You should consult your doctor before using garlic. All of these tips are for general guidance, never a substitute for a doctor. And you should not replace garlic with the recommended treatment for stomach germs.

Treatment of stomach germs with honey

Honey shows antibacterial abilities of the stomach. But no research has yet shown that honey can eliminate stomach germs on its own. The researchers believe that using honey with standard treatments may shorten treatment time.

You should also consult your doctor before using honey. These tips are for general guidance, never a substitute for a doctor. You should not replace honey with the recommended remedy for stomach germs.

Analysis of stomach germs with blood

Blood tests are used to measure antibodies to stomach germs (H pylori. Antibodies) are proteins made by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances such as bacteria.

Blood tests for stomach germs can tell if your body contains antibodies to stomach germs. She can't tell if you have an existing infection or how long you've had it. This is because the test can be positive for years, even if the infection is treated. As a result, blood tests can't be used to see if the infection has been cured after treatment.

Prevention of stomach germs

You can reduce your risk of stomach germ infection by:

• Drink clean water and use clean water while preparing food, this is especially important if you live in areas of the world known for contaminated water supplies.
• Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom.

Stomach germ form

According to internal medicine specialist Dr. Muzaffar Hassan Abdullah, speaking to Al Jazeera this morning, the stomach germ has 3 flagella that hold itself and move with it, and it can enter under the lining of the stomach.

Helicobacter pylori protects itself, according to the internist, by secreting substances that alter the stomach's acidic protection system.

He added that after H. pylori bacteria change the stomach system, symptoms appear on the person such as pain, poor digestion, high acidity and vomiting, pointing out that one of the very serious symptoms - which requires immediate review of the doctor - is bleeding, whether through the output of vomit resembling coffee, or the exit of dark black stools.