Bacteria are present in the digestive tract of not only humans, but also in many mammals. This article provides information regarding various stomach bacteria symptoms and their treatment.
The digestive system of the human body has an excellent defense mechanism that plays an instrumental role in eliminating microbes that can cause some acute infections. Apart from saliva in the mouth, there are some very powerful agents such as protease and hydrochloric acids, white blood cells, etc., that kill microbes that are present in food. However, there are some bacteria that survive and invade the organs of the digestive system. Out of all the bacteria that are present in the digestive system, one bacteria that depicts a peculiar behavior is the Helicobacter pylori.
Helicobacter Pylori
The helicobacter pylori is the most complex of all the bacteria. When food enters the digestive tract through the mouth, a sequence of defense mechanisms that kill the microbes are surpassed by the helicobacter pylori. Most of the bacteria are killed in the stomach, where a combination of powerful acids destroy the microbes. The helicobacter pylori, is however one such bacteria that has adapted itself towards the acidic conditions, and thus surpasses the acids.
After the food is digested in the stomach, it is pushed into the small intestine. The small intestine basically disintegrates the food further and absorbs the nutrients. The lower part of the stomach known as antrum is connected to small intestine.
The upper part of the small intestine (which joins it to the stomach) is known as duodenum. This entire construction of the stomach-small intestine joint is covered with a protective layer of mucous. This layer protects the small intestine and antrum from acid corrosion. After the helicobacter pylori surpasses the stomach and its digestion, it enters the antrum and small intestine. The bacteria starts thriving in this connecting joint and its protective mucus.
The structure of helicobacter pylori is such that the bacterium is able to anchor itself into the intestine with the help of long threads that protrude out of its lower end. A distinct feature of this bacterium is that it does not invade the stomach cells, but it attaches itself to the cells and seeks the protection of the mucus. Infection due to food and fluid as well as contamination of utensils is a prominent cause of helicobacter pylori invasion. According to some research, this infection can also be caused due to crammed living conditions, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, inappropriate diet, and unhygienic conditions.
Symptoms
The symptoms are not specific, but they eventually lead to several different infections. Ulcer is one common symptom of helicobacter pylori infection. Large number of cases of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers have been caused as a result of this infection. Gastritis and dyspepsia are also caused as a result of such an infection. Helicobacter pylori also causes some other simple and common disorders such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
The helicobacter pylori infection is also known to cause stomach cancer. Lymphoma, is another cancer that is caused by this infection. Though the cancers cased in such a scenario are not common, they can be painful, and the overgrowth of the bacteria should be treated immediately.
Treatment
Bacterial infection caused due to helicobacter pylori can be cured with help of medications. Acidic medications, bismuth compound, and antibiotics are some medications that can be used against such an infection. Broccoli sprouts which have strong anti-bacterial properties should be consumed to help control the intestinal bacteria.
Lactobacillus
There are some bacteria that help the human body to digest food. Lactobacillus is one such bacteria that helps in the digestion of lactose. With the help of Lactobacillus, the sugars that enter the human body through milk and milk products are digested and absorbed. The lactobacillus is usually known as a ‘benign’ stomach bacteria as it does not cause any harm to the digestive system.
One must ensure that the helicobacter pylori does not invade the digestive tract. If you notice continual digestive problems and release of blood in stools or vomit, then seek medical help immediately. The best solution to avoid such cases is to ensure a healthy diet and hygienic lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
