How do H. pylori bacteria cause peptic ulcers?
Once a person is infected with h. pylori, the h. pylori can attack the mucus coating that usually protects the stomach and the duodenum. Since the coating is weakened, acidic stomach juices can easily irritate the very sensitive stomach lining beneath. Eventually this will cause a sore, the stomach/ duodenal ulcer. Ulcers can be very painful. In severe cases people wake up in the mornings with blood in their mouth. Unfortunately, h. pylori bacteria are able to survive in the stomach because they are able to neutralize the stomach acid that would usually destroy and discard unwanted bacteria in the stomach. Instead, the stomach acid that is thought to work with the stomach is now working against it, irritating the lining of the stomach or duodenal. The only way to get rid of h. pylori is to completely destroy them, as well as eating a healthy balanced diet and avoid stress (often said to aggravate h. pylori problems). Many doctors prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are mostly a
