Preventing gastric cancer starts with preventing Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is one of the causative factors of gastric cancer. Therefore, we should prevent infection with Helicobacter pylori in our daily life. Helicobacter pylori is a contagious pathogen, and the infection has a family clustering phenomenon. So how can we stay away from its threat?

First of all, we should understand where Helicobacter pylori exists. It is understood that Helicobacter pylori exists in feces, saliva, dental plaque, and vomit. Drinking contaminated water, close contact and dining with people infected with Helicobacter pylori, especially contact between children in school and eating unclean food from roadside stalls, can all cause the spread of Helicobacter pylori.

The proportion of Helicobacter pylori infection in my country is relatively high. Helicobacter pylori infection is not limited to adults. Children can also be infected with Helicobacter pylori. There may be no symptoms, but some children will have recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, iron deficiency anemia, chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer, etc. Some children also have weight loss, growth retardation or decreased resistance, etc. Once discovered, active treatment should be given.

The key to preventing Helicobacter pylori is to cut off the transmission pathway of Helicobacter pylori, so we should develop good hygiene habits and wash hands before and after meals, especially before eating, to prevent the spread of Helicobacter pylori. Patients who have been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori should avoid close contact with others and take regular anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment.