H. Pylori Infection-Pathology and Its Relation to Normal Anatomy and Physiology

H. Pylori Infection-Pathology and Its Relation to Normal Anatomy and Physiology

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) disorder impacting the stomach lining (Colledge; Santacroce). This infection is attributed to the bacterium H. pylori and is recognized for its substantial involvement in several gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.

What Isn’t Working?

In H. pylori infection, the average balance within the stomach is disrupted. The stomach’s acidic environment, crucial for digestion and preventing harmful bacteria, becomes compromised (MedlinePlus; Santacroce). H. pylori secretes enzymes and toxins that compromise the integrity of the stomach’s protective mucous lining, rendering it more vulnerable to harm.

Structure Affected

The gastric mucosa, which forms the stomach lining, is the primary structure impacted. The mucosa comprises epithelial cells responsible for the production of mucus, hydrochloric acid, and other essential substances involved in digestion (Colledge; MedlinePlus; Santacroce). H. pylori establishes residence within the gastric mucosa, inducing an inflammatory response.

Signs and Symptoms

Pylori infection can lead to gastritis and inflammation of the stomach lining. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness. In some cases, chronic H. pylori infection can result in peptic ulcers and open sores in the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine (Colledge; MedlinePlus; Santacroce). Symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, and heartburn. In addition, long-term H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, although not everyone infected will develop cancer.

Relation to Normal A&P

The stomach’s physiological processes encompass the synthesis of hydrochloric acid to facilitate digestion and forming a safeguarding mucous layer to avert autodigestion. H. pylori disrupts the delicate equilibrium by inducing inflammation and harming the mucosa (Colledge; MedlinePlus; Santacroce). This imbalance gives rise to distinct symptoms and, if neglected, may progress to more severe ailments such as ulcers and potentially even cancer.

In summary, H. pylori infection is a notable gastrointestinal disorder that impacts the typical structure and function of the stomach. Comprehending the pathological mechanisms at play is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This typically involves administering antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prescribing medications to decrease stomach acid production, thereby facilitating the healing of the mucosa.

Works Cited

Colledge, Helen. “H. Pylori Bacteria Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Healthline, 2023, www.healthline.com/health/helicobacter-pylori.

MedlinePlus. “Helicobacter Pylori Infections.” Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, 2019, medlineplus.gov/helicobacterpyloriinfections.html.

Santacroce, Luigi. “Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.” Medscape.com, 2 Feb. 2019, emedicine.medscape.com/article/176938-overview.

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Discussion 2: The GI system/organs A & P and relating to pathology (disease)

Posting Guidelines
Your discussion post and response will be graded using the Discussion Rubric.
View the Chapter 3 videos in this Module.

Select a GI disorder.
Thoroughly discuss the pathology and relate it to the normal A & P
What isn’t working?
What structure is affected?
What are the signs and symptoms?
Be creative with your post; use pictures, graphs, or videos to explain (this does not replace the writing requirements)
Respond to another student and compare or contrast the topic you chose to another student’s topic. For example, what is the same and what is different?

https://mediaplayer.pearsoncmg.com/assets/HPylori_Infection_Sound