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| Helicbacter pylori infection |
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| Standard Definition |
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that has been discovered to cause up to 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70 to 80% of gastric ulcers. These ulcers can also be caused or contributed to by other factors that reduce the protective mucus layer of the digestive tract. |
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| Underlying Disruption in Function |
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Integrative medicine considers H.pylori infection as only one part of the problem. It sees that other factors may make a person more prone to infection (and re-infection), that some persons with ulcers do not have any H.pylori present and some persons with H.pylori do not ever get ulcers! If you have H. pylori, you will probably be given two or three different drugs. "Triple therapy" (including acid-reducing drugs and antibiotics) is commonly used for the eradication of H. pylori. Side effects frequently occur, including diarrhoea and colitis. H. pylori resistance to antibiotic treatment is a worldwide problem and therefore not such a simple answer. Other remedies for increasing resistance to infection, improving the function of the intestinal lining and repairing the tissue may be of great benefit. |
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| Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Helicobacter pylori
- Alcohol, cigarettes
- Drugs, including non-steroidal antiinflammatories (aspirin) and corticosteroids
- Excessive salt
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Age
- Acute stress
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| Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Duodenal ulcers often cause pain with burning or gnawing sensations. This pain often occurs after eating and is relieved by antacids and milk. Increased pain, vomiting blood, tarry or red stools, or losing a lot of weight are serious signs.
- Gastric ulcers often cause gnawing or burning pain. One day your pain may be relieved from food or an antacid and the next day these may not help at all. You may have vomiting or nausea.
- See your healthcare practitioner immediately for proper assessment of your symptoms.
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| Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.
- Allergy and food intolerance testing
- Blood, breath, saliva or stool testing for Helicobacter pylori
- Digestive function assessment
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