Helicobacter pylori Health Dictionary

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Helicobacter Pylori: From 2 Different Sources

A bacterium now known to be the cause of most peptic ulcers as well as a factor in stomach cancer. The bacterium is thought to damage the mucus layer of the stomach and duodenum, allowing gastric acid to cause ulceration. Treatment with antibiotics to eradicate the infection has proved successful in achieving long-term recovery from peptic ulcers.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
A bacterium which colonises the stomach. While it may cause no disease, it has a tendency to produce in?ammation – gastritis. This may progress in some people to peptic ulceration (see PEPTIC ULCER), and even to gastric cancer. The bacterium can be identi?ed on blood testing or, more accurately, by obtaining a biopsy of the stomach wall by ENDOSCOPY. It can be eradicated by treatment with PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS and antibiotics.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Pyloric Stenosis

Narrowing of the PYLORUS, the muscular exit from the STOMACH. It is usually the result of a pyloric ulcer or cancer near the exit of the stomach. Food is delayed when passing from the stomach to the duodenum and vomiting occurs. The stomach may become distended and peristalsis (muscular movement) may be seen through the abdominal wall. Unless surgically treated the patient will steadily deteriorate, losing weight, becoming dehydrated and developing ALKALOSIS.

A related condition, congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, occurs in babies (commonly boys) about 3–5 weeks old, and surgery produces a complete cure.... pyloric stenosis

Helicobacter

n. a genus of spiral flagellated Gram-negative bacteria. The species H. pylori (formerly classified as Campylobacter pylori) is found in the stomach within the mucous layer. It occurs in the majority of middle-aged people and may cause gastritis. It is almost invariably present in duodenal ulceration and usually in gastric ulceration. Testing to confirm infection includes the urea breath test. Eradication of the organism (using various combinations of antibiotics and *antisecretory drugs) promotes ulcer healing. H. pylori has been implicated in some forms of stomach cancer and in coronary heart disease. The role of other Helicobacter species in the causation of disease in humans is unclear.... helicobacter

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