TUESDAY, DAY 2
DISEASES AND AILMENTS
Even though other scientists called him crazy, the Australian researcher Barry J. Marshall (1951–) was convinced that the bacterium Heliocobacter pylori led to peptic ulcer disease. At the time, experts believed that the condition, which causes open sores to develop in the stomach, small intestine, or esophageal lining, was caused only by excess stomach acid. To prove his hypothesis, Marshall drank a solution of the bacteria, much to his assistant’s horror. Sure enough, he began to show symptoms of ulcers—vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss—after a week, and tests revealed ulcers. Marshall recovered completely and went on to win a Nobel Prize in 1995 for his discovery.
Today, researchers estimate that roughly 85 percent of ulcer disease cases are caused by H. pylori, a spiral-shaped bacteria that infects about half of the US population. For most people, it doesn’t cause any problems. But in some, it can damage the mucous lining in the digestive system, producing inflammation and, eventually, an ulcer or lesion. Because there’s no mucus to protect the stomach lining from hydrochloric acid, eating a meal can lead to intense gastrointestinal pain that can last anywhere from a few minutes to many hours. The bouts of pain often flare up at night and every few days or weeks.
Besides H. pylori, there are a few other reasons people can develop ulcers. Regularly using painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Since smoking and alcohol consumption increase the amount of stomach acid produced, these habits can also lead to ulcer disease. But, contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods aren’t culprits—although they can aggravate symptoms and delay healing.
Ulcer disease is diagnosed with an x-ray or an endoscopy, in which a tiny camera is inserted through the throat to examine the stomach lining. Blood and stool tests can determine whether H. pylori is the culprit; worldwide, the pesky bacterium accounts for about 85 percent of cases. Antibiotics can remedy the situation. Other medications, including acid-blocking drugs, over-the-counter antacids, and cytoprotective agents (such as Pepto-Bismol), can help relieve symptoms.