National Day holiday
Gathering with friends and family for a meal and drinks is truly delightful.
Sharing a meal together brings a feeling of immense happiness.
But sometimes, if youre not careful,
The "silent disease assassin" may find its way in.
When you are enjoying "big gulps of alcohol and large bites of meat,"
If you are a little careless,
Helicobacter pylori may come for you.
What is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a bacterium that resides in the stomach, and it is not only the culprit behind chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, but also a major risk factor for gastric cancer, classified as a Class I carcinogen.
According to the latest statistics, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in China is close to 50%, with approximately 700 million people infected.
Q: What are the symptoms of a Helicobacter pylori infection?
A: Most people infected with Helicobacter pylori have no symptoms. A small number may experience acid reflux, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, bad breath; fullness, discomfort, or pain in the upper abdomen after eating, often accompanied by belching and loss of appetite.
Why do people become infected with Helicobacter pylori?
The main transmission routes of Helicobacter pylori are fecal-oral and oral-oral, and infections often show familial clustering.
Drinking contaminated water, close contact with those infected with Hp, sharing meals, using the same toothbrush, especially feeding children mouth-to-mouth or after chewing food, can all cause infection.
Q: How do you check for a Helicobacter pylori infection?
A: At health checkup centers, the infection is tested using the Carbon-13 breath test.
Note: You must fast for more than two hours before the test; stop taking antibiotics and bismuth agents one month before the test; and refrain from taking PPIs two weeks before the test.
What are the dangers of being infected with Helicobacter pylori?
The severity of Helicobacter pylori infections varies. In mild cases, people may remain asymptomatic for years. In severe cases, it can cause digestive diseases and may even lead to diseases outside the digestive system.
1、Chronic gastritis
Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen causing chronic gastritis. Among chronic gastritis patients, 80% to 95% are Hp-positive, much higher than the general population.
2. Peptic ulcer
Helicobacter pylori is also the primary cause of peptic ulcers, and eradicating Hp is one of the main treatment methods for ulcers in the digestive tract.
3. Gastric cancer
Although Helicobacter pylori infection is a high-risk factor for gastric cancer, being infected does not necessarily mean you will develop gastric cancer. While the risk of developing gastric cancer is higher after infection, genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle habits also play a role. Nevertheless, Helicobacter pylori infection should still be taken seriously.
4. Other diseases
Iron-deficiency anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, coronary heart disease, urticaria, pityriasis rosea, infertility, and more.
How to Avoid Helicobacter Pylori (Hp) Infection
1. Consume Hygienic and Safe Food and Water
Helicobacter pylori can survive in tap water for 4-10 days. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking contaminated water, well water, or untreated water. When eating raw fruits and vegetables, make sure to wash and peel them. Since Helicobacter pylori is heat-sensitive, eating thoroughly cooked food can effectively reduce the risk of infection. Reducing the consumption of raw food, hot pot, or grilled dishes can also help cut off the source of infection. Additionally, practice proper hygiene by washing your hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Some children have the habit of sucking their fingers—if this cannot be avoided, ensure their palms, backs of their hands, and fingertips are cleaned thoroughly.
2. Use Separate Toothbrushes and Cups, and Replace Them Regularly
Helicobacter pylori thrives in acidic environments and can survive in low oxygen conditions (oxygen concentration <10%). Its primary habitat in the human body is the stomach. The oral cavity is another significant breeding ground. Food debris left in the mouth can alter the pH and oxygen levels in the oral cavity, promoting the growth of Hp. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid sharing toothbrushes and cups, and regularly replace your toothbrush and other dental tools.
3. Recommend Separate Dining and Avoid Chewing Food for Others
When dining with family members, if there is someone infected with Helicobacter pylori, separate dining (dividing food into individual small plates) is recommended, or using separate serving utensils (chopsticks and spoons) can prevent the spread of various diseases, including Hp. If an adult in the family is confirmed to have Helicobacter pylori infection, avoid close contact with children and do not chew food and feed it to them.
In children, the treatment options for Hp infection are limited, and their compliance and tolerance to medication are relatively poor, making it more challenging to treat compared to adults. Thus, preventing Hp infection is even more important for protecting children in the household.
Together, Lets Develop Healthy Living Habits
Stay Away from Helicobacter Pylori
Protect Our Digestive Health
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It should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment.
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Editor | Huang Fei