Pandemic of the Era Helicobacter Pylori

Humanity has been struggling with various infectious diseases in recent years. Experts state that the most important overlooked epidemic is Helicobacter pylori. Microbiologist from Altınbaş University, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. İpek Ada Alver, Microbiologist from Altınbaş University, stated that there is an increase in stomach and intestinal cancers today and underlined that the most important factor in this is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Prof. Dr. İpek Ada Alver said, “Although many factors are involved in stomach and intestinal cancers, including genetic factors, stress, diet, consumption of substances such as smoking and alcohol, this bacterium is resistant even to the high acidic content of the stomach and causes gastritis, then ulcers and then ulcerations and stomach and intestinal cancers.” Emphasizing that Helicobacter pylori bacteria also develops rapid resistance mechanisms to antibiotics used in treatment, Dr. İpek Ada Alver said, “It has become very dangerous for human health. However, it should be seen as the most important pandemic of our age, which is actually ignored.” and gave an important warning.

“The age of transmission has decreased until childhood.”

Stating that Helicobacter pylori bacteria can be seen at any age regardless of age, gender and race, İpek Ada Alver said, “Complaints about inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tissue where Helicobacter pylori is involved can now be observed even in early childhood. For this reason, it is worrying that the age of transmission has decreased to childhood. Because treatment requires the use of more than one antibiotic. Being caught at an early age will both lower the age of antibiotic use and increase the risk of stomach and intestinal cancer in later ages.”

If you have persistent iron deficiency anemia, Helicobacter pylori may be the cause!

Stating that Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a stubborn and opportunistic pathogen, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. İpek Ada Alver said, “If you have complaints such as burning, pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, regurgitation (bitter water in the mouth), nausea, stomach scraping, belching, bad breath, anemia (anemia), problems in defecation and bloody stools, it means that you are experiencing symptoms based on infection caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It is one of the overlooked points that this condition may be related to Helicobacter pylori, especially in individuals with persistent iron deficiency anemia and recurrent vitamin deficiency.” He explained that this bacterium uses human electrolytes, minerals and vitamins to survive, multiply and colonize the stomach and intestinal tissue and can damage the transport mechanism of these. He stated that for the definitive diagnosis of individuals experiencing these symptoms, endoscopic procedures to be performed by gastroenterology specialists, microbiology experts should be examined by microbiology experts, urea-breath test and stool antigen search tests should be performed.

“We do not recommend blood tests”

İpek Ada Alver stated that although there are tests specific for screening Helicobacter pylori-specific antibodies in the blood in some cases, they are not recommended because false negative results can often be obtained.

Stating that the treatment should be started by changing the diet, he said, “Antibiotic treatment should be continued individually with stomach protector. The course of the disease should be observed.”

It is common in Türkiye. “Stay away from hot, spicy and fast food style diets”

İpek Ada Alver stated that the common eating habits in Türkiye cause this bacteria to be more common in some regions. According to Alver, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia and the Marmara Region are among the places where this infection is most common.

Dietary habits are a risk factor

Pointing out that consumption of hot, spicy, fatty and acidic foods as well as fast food consumption increases the acidity of the stomach and facilitates the attachment and proliferation of Helicobacter pylori to the gastric mucosa, Ada Alver made the following warnings:

- Strengthen the intestinal microbiota with prebiotic and probiotic consumption.

- Prefer digestion-friendly foods.

- Pay attention to oral and hand hygiene.

- It is important to control contaminated foods.

He also emphasized that excessive and unconscious use of antibiotics both increases stomach acidity and causes bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics. He underlined that unnecessary medication should be avoided.

Prevention Methods in Children

Dr. İpek Ada Alver from Altınbaş University finally drew attention to the importance of protection from this bacteria in childhood and made the following suggestions:

- Reduce oral contamination: Pay attention to the hygiene of pacifiers and bottles.

- Breast milk intake: Pay attention to the supplementary food process supported by prebiotics and probiotics.

- Hygiene education: Children should be taught hand and toilet hygiene habits.

Ada Alver stated that these simple measures will be effective in preventing gastritis and other stomach problems caused by Helicobacter pylori, especially in children, and emphasized that raising awareness of individuals is vital in preventing the infection.