Diseases Caused by H. pylori
Not all H. pylori infections lead to the development of ulcers and stomach cancer.
However, most people infected do develop gastritis. Unless eradicated, H. pylori will remain in the stomach, which will continue to cause chronic inflammation, weakening the protective force of the mucus membrane of the stomach, creating a condition whereby it is vulnerable to attack by stress, salty meals, and carcinogenic substances. Some treatments can be covered by national health insurance in Japan, so please consult your doctor.
Gastritis
There are two types of gastritis, acute gastritis and chronic gastritis.
Typical causes of acute gastritis include excessive alcohol consumption, eating hot spices, and some types of medication (e.g. NSAIDs*, antibiotics). Chronic gastritis is often caused by H. pylori, with the stomach's mucus membrane becoming inflamed.
- *Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
Stomach and duodenal ulcers occur when the protective layer of mucosa has been weakened by H. pylori, allowing stomach acid to eat away at this mucus membrane of the stomach and duodenum, finally damaging the stomach or duodenum walls.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a disease that produces malignant cells (cancer cells) in stomach tissues. The causes of stomach cancer are thought to be smoking, poor eating habits and genetics, however the latest research indicates that H. pylori eradication therapy decreases the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Other Diseases caused by H. pylori
If you have any of the following diseases or symptoms, it is advised to get treatment to eradicate H. pylori bacteria:
gastric MALT lymphoma; immunity (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic (ITP); those who have undergone endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer or have symptoms of dyspepsia (pain around the epicenter, burning feeling, heaviness in stomach, unable to finish your meal due to uncomfortable feeling of fullness.
Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
