Although stomach bacteria are among the most prevalent types of germs to infect the stomach, are they harmful?
One of the most prevalent types of bacteria that infects the stomach is the stomach bacteria (Helicobacter Pylori), which weakens and attacks the stomach lining. We will discover the response to the query, "Are stomach bacteria harmful?" in this article. We mention other details:
Is stomach bacteria dangerous?
In response to the query, "Are stomach bacteria harmful?" The answer is that stomach bacteria in and of themselves are not considered dangerous, as they do not cause symptoms in most cases, but they may lead to some serious complications, and among these complications we mention:
1. Stomach ulcer
Stomach ulcers are one of the side effects of stomach bacteria because the bacteria damage the stomach's protective lining and cause an acid-induced hole to form in the stomach wall, which results in stomach ulcers.
2. Internal bleeding
Internal bleeding may occur if a hole in the stomach wall penetrates one of the blood vessels in the stomach wall, which increases the risk of iron deficiency anaemia. Internal bleeding is one of the complications that result from stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
3. Inflammation of the stomach wall (Gastritis)
A side effect of stomach bacteria is inflammation of the stomach wall, which can affect the entire stomach or just the lower part. Inflammation causes the stomach lining to swell and turn red.
4. Gastric Cancer
Cancer is one of the serious side effects of stomach bacteria, and it is important to note that stomach bacteria is one of the primary causes of stomach cancer. The risk of stomach cancer is increased by the persistence of the bacteria and the failure to treat it.
5. Obstruction
It is important to note that stomach obstruction does not always go away after treatment and may occasionally persist even after the end of treatment. Stomach obstruction is one of the complications brought on by stomach bacteria because of the presence of an obstruction, such as a cancerous tumour blocking the stomach and preventing food from passing to the intestines.
6. Peritonitis
An infection with stomach bacteria can cause a complication called peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal wall's inner lining (Peritoneum).
How is stomach bacteria treated?
After responding to the query "Are stomach bacteria harmful?" We must know the different ways to treat this bacteria, as treatment is often done by using antibiotics with drugs that reduce the production of stomach acids for a period of 14 days, as follows:
1. Antibiotics
To prevent the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance, at least two different types of antibiotics are frequently used together.
- Amoxicillin.
- Clarithromycin.
- Metronidazole.
- Tetracycline.
2. Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors lessen the amount of stomach acid produced. Among these medicines are:
- Omeprazole.
- Lansoprazole.
- Pantoprazole.
3. Bismuth subsalicylate
Since bismuth subsalicylate coats stomach ulcers to shield them from acid, it can be used in conjunction with both antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors.
When should I go to the doctor?
After responding to the query "Are stomach bacteria harmful?" We have to know the symptoms of stomach bacteria that necessitate going to the doctor, such as:
- Feeling severe and continuous pain in the abdomen.
- difficulty swallowing
- Bloody stools, or dark colored stools.
- Vomiting is black in color, similar to coffee grounds.