Latest news with #H.pylori
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
There's a ‘double-edged sword' in your stomach
Scientists are just beginning to understand the microbes that have been with us for millennia – the so-called microbiome. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS It's not always obvious which of the multitude of species of bacteria riding around in us should be classified as germs and attacked, and which are essential workers that should be nurtured. One that's particularly hard to classify is H. pylori, which was the subject of the 2005 Nobel Prize for the discovery that it causes peptic ulcers. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Experiencing a burning pain in your stomach? Doctor says it can be ulcers; here's why they happen
Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of the stomach that can lead to a burning sensation, especially at night or when we are hungry. But what are ulcers? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sanjay Khanna, co-chairman - Manipal Institute of Gastroenterology, hepato-biliary and pancreatic sciences, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka said, 'Ulcers occur when the protective layer of mucus is reduced, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.' Also read | Ulcer: Doctors reveal causes, symptoms you should never ignore, treatment Having ulcer pain? Know when to consult a doctor.(Shutterstock) Addressing this, Dr Sanjay Khanna said, 'Ulcer pain comes from the sore area being exposed to stomach acid.' This can happen due to multiple reasons: Infection caused by the bacteria that damages the mucous lining of the stomach and small intestine. Long-term and frequent use of certain pain-relieving medications that irritate the lining of the stomach. Consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, which may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but aggravate the symptoms and make the pain worse. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium weakens the stomach's protective lining, making it more vulnerable to acid Excess stomach acid: Overproduction of acid, often triggered by stress or certain foods, can hamper the lining of the stomach Smoking and alcohol: Both can irritate the digestive tract, increase acid production, and hinder the healing of existing ulcers. Also read | Ulcers and sores? Your mouth may be trying to warn you about lurking internal diseases Here's what can trigger stomach ulcers.(Pexels) When do you need to consult a doctor? A peptic ulcer can be extremely painful and sometimes dangerous. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience severe and persistent pain in the abdominal region. You may also notice the following signs: Burning stomach pain: This is the most common symptom and usually occurs between meals or at night. You may also feel unusually full or bloated. Loss of appetite or weight loss: You may suddenly lose interest in eating. This can also lead to weight loss and feelings of nausea. Dark stools: Bleeding can occur in the digestive tract, which turns black as it passes through the intestines. Look out for tarry or dark stools, as they indicate bleeding. Also read | Do you often get mouth ulcers? Dentist shares what causes them and 4 easy ways to prevent it Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Doctors said my weight loss was anxiety, then I was diagnosed with cancer'
Bruna Gettert's symptoms had been dismissed by doctors A student has shared her experience of being repeatedly dismissed by doctors, despite losing 10 kilos in just two months and suffering from severe abdominal pain. Bruna Gettert began to question herself, but eventually, a diagnosis confirmed what she had long suspected - she had cancer. Although her condition continued to deteriorate, Bruna was prescribed antidepressants, and her symptoms were consistently overlooked. It took a whopping two years and two months for her to receive a proper diagnosis in 2023, but by then, the cancer had already spread. Bruna was informed that she had a 10-centimetre mass in her abdomen and metastases in her liver—findings that finally explained her persistent stomach pain. The business administration student from Caxias do Sul, Brazil, had first started experiencing symptoms at age 20, in late 2020. Alongside heartburn, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and intense abdominal pain, she lost 10 kilograms in just two months - dropping from 45 to 35 kilos, explains Although she underwent imaging and blood tests, no major abnormalities were found. Doctors suggested her symptoms could be related to anxiety, potentially brought on by her young age and the pressures of living through a pandemic. Before receiving her diagnosis, the student consulted at least six healthcare professionals, including GPs and gastroenterologists. She was treated for H. pylori, prescribed gastric protectors, underwent two endoscopies, had abdominal ultrasounds, and even had her gallbladder removed. Despite all these measures, her symptoms persisted and not even the surgeon who performed the gallbladder surgery detected anything unusual. She recalls: 'The doctors said no findings justified such intense symptoms. They said I was too young and must be anxious because of the pandemic. "I started to believe it was all in my head. I was very debilitated but began to think I was making it up.' She was referred to a psychiatrist and prescribed antidepressants, which provided slight relief from her lack of appetite. However, her condition deteriorated in early 2023, and she began struggling to swallow both solids and liquids. After collapsing, she was taken to the hospital, where she was finally diagnosed with cancer. During the emergency consultation, the student recalled feeling truly validated for the first time. Doctors ordered a blood test which revealed severe anemia and she admitted quickly. Another endoscopy uncovered a small nodule in the cardia - the area between the stomach and esophagu - which explained her difficulty swallowing. Later that same day, a CT scan uncovered a 10-centimeter mass situated between the pancreas, retroperitoneum, and the curvature of the stomach, along with metastases in the liver. Following a series of biopsies, the initial diagnosis was gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). Bruna began treatment with imatinib, but it had no effect and caused severe side effects, including bleeding and vomiting blood. A second treatment attempt with sunitinib led to a reduction in the abdominal mass, shrinking it to approximately 6 centimetres. However she recalled: "I had drug-induced hepatitis; my face swelled up; I bled from my mouth and nose; I lived in the hospital." It was only then in March 2024, after consulting a specialist in Porto Alegre and re-analysing last year's biopsy, she discovered that the first diagnosis was wrong. The student did not have a gastrointestinal stromal tumour, but rather a well-differentiated grade 2 neuroendocrine tumour. According to the student, the correct diagnosis had already been identified in one of the previous biopsies but was ignored by doctors for reasons she has not been made aware of. The new diagnosis changed the therapeutic strategy. The student is on her third medication, which has stabilised her condition and alleviated symptoms, but has not cured the disease. "I am considered a palliative patient," she states. "People say I handle everything lightly, but I just allow myself to feel. What hurts is that my complaints were invalidated because I was too young," Bruna adds. The student took to TikTok to tell people about her experience. Speaking on the video sharing platform, @eibrunagettert shared: "I have a well-differentiated grade 2 neuroendocrine tumour, and this main tumour is located in the region of the pancreas, retroperitoneum and gastric curvature. "It's about 7 centimetres at the moment. I discovered it when it was 10 centimetres, and managed to partially reduce it, but I also have metastases in my liver, so yes, it's in the digestive system in a way." What is a neuroendocrine tumour? According to Cancer Research UK: "Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of cancers that develop in cells of the neuroendocrine system. They can develop in different parts of the body, such as the stomach, bowel, pancreas or lungs." They explain that this system is made up of nerve pathways and neuroendocrine cells. "You have neuroendocrine cells throughout your body. "Your brain sends these nerve signals. In response they make and release hormones and similar substances. These keep our bodies working properly," they write. There are neuroendocrine cells throughout the body. They are in almost all organs and endocrine glands, including your: food pipe (oesophagus) stomach lungs small and large bowel pancreas appendix You can read more about the different type of cancer as well as its staging via the Cancer Research UK website here.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist shares why so many Indians use antacids, reveals 5 big risks
If having antacid has become a post-meal norm for you, then it's time to rethink your choices. Acidity is an uncomfortable situation to be in, making the med feel like a saviour, and before you know, it has become a habit. It's easy to dismiss poor dietary choices when you think an antacid has your back (or at least that's what you thought). While antacids may be a quick fix but in the long run, it's not a solution. Your trust fall on antacid may eventually turn disastrous, it's only a matter of time. Act before antacids backfire, and choose safer alternatives to address gas problems. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anukalp Prakash, Director of Gastroenterology at CK Birla, Gurugram, warned against the casual use of antacids. Addressing the dangerous trend of casually consuming antacids, Dr Prakash said, 'India's drugstores are filled with antacids, those fizzy tablets, chewables, or syrups that we usually reach for after a spicy dinner or a gassy day. But as a gastroenterologist, I've witnessed the flip side of this dependency. The increasing trend of self-medication with antacids is not just a cultural practice, it is a manifestation of underlying lifestyle and medical problems that require better treatment.' Dr Anukalp Prakash shared a detailed guide with us, highlighting why Indians use antacids, the big risks of overusage, safer alternatives and when to go see a doctor: Occasional usage is okay, regular antacid consumption, particularly without medical guidance, can cause: They both relax the lower esophageal sphincter and inflame the gut lining, enhancing acid reflux. Allow digestion time for your stomach first. Raise the head of your bed if nocturnal reflux is an issue. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend endoscopy or tests for H. pylori, a common bacterial infection that causes acidity, ulcers, and even long-term stomach issues. Seek help if: 'Acidity is normal, but only so long as it's rare or occasional. Antacids give fast relief, but they don't fix the issue. A whole approach, lifestyle, diet, and medical advice, gives longer and safer relief. Don't self-treat endlessly; your gut wants better attention,' Dr Anukalp Prakash concluded. ALSO READ: IBS vs IBD: Gastroenterologist shares the main differences between the two common gut conditions Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Listly
08-06-2025
- Health
- Listly
Acid Reflux and Burping Too Often? When It's Time to See a Houston GI Doctor
REPORT Listly by Ahmed Ahmed It's normal to burp occasionally after a big meal or a fizzy drink. But if you find yourself burping excessively or constantly battling heartburn, it might be more than just indigestion. These symptoms could be signs of acid reflux burping or even stomach inflammation gastritis, both of which may need attention from a qualified Houston GI specialist. If you're searching for a trusted digestive disease center near me, knowing when to seek help can make all the difference in protecting your long-term digestive health. What Causes Excessive Burping and Acid Reflux? Burping is your body's way of releasing excess air from your stomach. But when it's frequent—especially when paired with symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest or regurgitation—it may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or underlying stomach inflammation gastritis. Common triggers include: Eating large or fatty meals Carbonated beverages Smoking or alcohol use Chronic stress Certain medications An H. pylori infection (a leading cause of gastritis) These factors can irritate your digestive tract and lead to persistent acid reflux burping and inflammation of the stomach lining. When Is Burping a Problem? Burping too often—more than three or four times after every meal—or having it paired with other symptoms could indicate something more serious. Warning signs include: Persistent heartburn or sour taste Upper abdominal pain or bloating Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Fatigue or weakness (possibly due to anemia) Dark or tarry stools If these symptoms sound familiar, it's time to consult a Houston GI doctor at a reputable digestive disease center near me. Ignoring them may allow your condition to worsen, making treatment more complicated. Could It Be Gastritis? Yes. Stomach inflammation gastritis can mimic symptoms of acid reflux but is often caused by damage to the stomach lining. This can result from bacterial infections, long-term NSAID use, or lifestyle factors. Chronic gastritis can lead to ulcers, bleeding, or even an increased risk of stomach cancer. A Houston GI doctor can diagnose gastritis using tools like: Upper endoscopy Blood tests Stool tests Urea breath test for H. pylori Once diagnosed, treatment often includes acid-suppressing medications, antibiotics (if H. pylori is present), and diet modifications. Why Choose a Digestive Disease Center Near You in Houston? When symptoms persist, early intervention at a digestive disease center near me can prevent complications. The benefit of seeing a Houston GI specialist includes: Personalized diagnosis and care State-of-the-art diagnostic tools Proven treatments for acid reflux burping, gastritis, and more Ongoing management and lifestyle guidance Take Control of Your Digestive Health Don't brush off frequent acid reflux burping or ignore stomach discomfort. These may be early signs of more serious conditions like stomach inflammation gastritis. If you're in the Houston area, connecting with a Houston GI doctor at a nearby digestive disease center near me can help you get relief and avoid long-term complications.
