Helicobacter Pylori Infection Specialist
Digestive Disease Clinic, LLC
Charles A. Obioha, MD
Gastroenterologist Located in Rockville, MD
The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria may be present in more than half the global population, and while this stomach infection is often symptomless, it can lead to painful and disruptive symptoms. If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain that’s worse when your stomach is empty, unexplained weight loss, bloating, or frequent burping, make an appointment with Dr. Charles Obioha at the Digestive Disease Clinic, LLC in Rockville, Silver Spring, or Bowie, Maryland. Call to schedule a consultation today.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection Q & A
What is a Helicobacter pylori infection?
H. pylori is a bacteria that can live in your digestive tract. While the infection is widespread, it doesn’t often cause symptoms, especially in its early stages. The longer H. pylori are present in your digestive tract, the more likely you are to develop symptoms such as:
- An ache or burning sensation in your stomach
- Stomach ache that’s worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Bloating and frequent burping
- Unexplained weight loss
When left untreated H. pylori can cause ulcers in your stomach and intestine, inflammation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and could eventually lead to stomach cancer.
What causes an H. pylori infection?
Medical researchers are still working to determine why some people are more or less resistant to H. pylori than others. The infection is spread through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or feces, as well as through contaminated food or water.
H. pylori are usually contracted in childhood. Your risk of getting an H. pylori infection is higher if you:
- Have crowded or unsanitary living conditions
- Don’t have a reliable supply of clean water
- Live in a developing country
- Live with someone who has an H. pylori infection
If you’re concerned that you’ve been exposed to H. pylori or have symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Obioha for diagnosis and treatment. It’s much better for your overall health and well-being to treat the infection before it causes gastrointestinal problems.
How are H. pylori infections diagnosed?
Dr. Obioha screens for H. pylori infections using a variety of different tests, including blood work, stool samples, and breath tests.
If your infection is advanced, he may perform an endoscopy to check for signs of ulcers or abnormal tissue.
How are H. pylori infections treated?
Dr. Obioha treats H. pylori infections with a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medicines to help your stomach and intestines heal. In many cases, he prescribes two different kinds of antibiotics to prevent the infection from becoming resistant to a single drug.
He also prescribes proton pump inhibitors and histamine blockers to suppress acid production and inflammation. You may also benefit from taking Pepto-BismolⓇ to soothe and coat any ulcers.
Call Digestive Disease Clinic, LLC to schedule a consultation today if you’re concerned about H. pylori infections or other gastrointestinal disorders.
