07 October 2008

medical word of the day: H. pylori

Another interesting sounding name...

Helicobacter pylori, more well known as H. pylori: This unusual name identifies a specific bacteria that can cause infection of the stomach. This infection can contribute to the development of diseases, such as dyspepsia (heartburn, bloating and nausea), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.

H. pylori is a fragile bacteria that has found an ideal home in the protective mucous layer of the stomach. These bacteria have long threads protruding from them that attach to the underlying stomach cells. The mucous layer that protects the stomach cells from acid also protects H. pylori. These bacteria do not actually invade the stomach cells as certain other bacteria can. The infection, however, is very real and it does cause the body to react. Infection-fighting white blood cells move into the area, and the body develops H. pylori antibodies in the blood.

... the mental picture of bacteria attaching itself by long threads to the cells of my stomach is just not appetizing or appealing.

But really, I couldn't keep something like that to myself...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had a test for H. Pylori once! It's apparently the root of 90% of ulcers. The test is really bizarre - you just blow into a tube and they test the bacteria from the condensation on the tube. Then you drink some lemon tasting junk and they do it again 30 minutes later. If you ever have to do the test, watch the time. They forgot about my timer and came to get me after 40 minutes and the condensation in the first tube had expired already. I had to come back the next day and start it all over again! Oh the joys... but at least it didn't involve blood, needles, or pain!

Anonymous said...

Oh. and that H. Pylori comment was from me (maria... your sisterinlaw) :)