H. Pylori Infection: What to Know

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria and many people do not have any symptoms or know they have it.  The bacteria can live in your body for years before it begins to create ulcers in your stomach and small intestine.

The good news is that the bacteria can be treated and the office of Dr. Justin McCarthy has the test and treatment to help you get back on track and feel your best!  The H. pylori test is the simplest and easiest test for patients who need to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria in their stomach.  There are a few ways to test for H. pylori, but in our office we utilize a breath test.  To complete the Urea Breath Test, the patient will breathe into a bag, then drink a special drink (urea) through a straw, wait 15 minutes, then breathe into a second bag. The test is then run on a machine, and the results will be available before the patient leaves the lab.

If the test is positive, the bacteria will change the urea in your body into carbon dioxide, and show that you have higher than normal levels of the gas. Based on these results, Dr. Justin McCarthy will determine the necessary antibiotic regimen for treatment.  Once treatment has started, you should begin feeling better within a couple of weeks.

In addition to the treatment plan provided to you, you can prevent infection by practicing good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly.  You can also practice safe eating habits by drinking clean water and making sure your food is cooked properly.

If you are experiencing gnawing or burning abdominal pain that does not go away when your stomach is empty or in the middle of the night, you may want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin McCarthy.  Additional symptoms from H. pylori may include:

• Bloating
• Burping
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss
• Poor breath

Our office has the medical treatment that you can trust!  Dr. Justin McCarthy has been practicing in Lubbock, TX since 1992. Contact us today for your Gastroenterology and general health needs.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/h-pylori-helicobacter-pylori#1

http://www.healthline.com/health/helicobacter-pylori?algo=true#overview1

Bladder Health Month Tips

November helps serve as a helpful reminder to keep your bladder healthy before a problem occurs. Your bladder looks like a deflated balloon that expands as it fills with urine. The bladder can hold about 400-600 milliliters of urine depending on age. When it is full, the bladder is the size and shape of a pear.  

Here are some tips to keep your bladder healthy:

1. 4-8 trips to the bathroom daily are normal. Any more than this could point to a problem that should be addressed with a doctor.
2. Drink 6 to 8 cups of water daily
3. Coffee, tea, alcohol, and soda lead to increased bladder activity. Reduce consumption of these when possible.
4. Drink cranberry juice instead! Ingredients in the juice can keep bacteria from living in the urinary tract, preventing UTIs.
5. Make sure to take the time to completely empty your bladder when using the bathroom. If you don’t, this can lead to an infection.
6. Don’t smoke! Smoking increases the chance of bladder cancer among other cancers and conditions.

Some bladder issues throughout one’s life are a natural part of aging. Lowerurinary tract (LUTS) can cause trouble urinating, leaking urine, and more frequent urination. The most common issue in bladder health is bladder infections or UTI. This occurs when bacteria enter the bladder causing an infection. This will cause strong, sudden urination.

Bladder cancer is the 4^th most common cancer with 76,960 new cases estimated in 2016. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. This usually leads to an early diagnosis and easier treatment.

If you have any concern regarding the health of your bladder seek the help of a professional. Dr. Justin H. McCarthy specializes in gastroenterology and other internal medicine. Mr. McCarthy is an affiliate of Covenant Medical Center and University of Medical Center. His office is located at 2424 50^th Street in Lubbock, Texas. The office is open from 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am – noon on Fridays. We are currently closed on weekends. To find out more about Dr. McCarthy’s services or to schedule an appointment call (806) 761-0722.