What exactly is Helicobacter pylori? Plan for some fun today, Leo

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 82-year-old husband was diagnosed with H. pylori and was treated with two antibiotics and omeprazole. Would you please expand on what exactly H. pylori is? — T.R.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria species that is able to live in the stomach. It was identified in a paper from 1984 and is now recognized as a major contributor to gastrointestinal ulcers and inflammation. In addition, it plays a role in the development of certain types of stomach cancers.

H. pylori is the underlying cause of most stomach and duodenal ulcers, and people who have these ulcers are tested for H. pylori and treated if the bacteria is present. Treatment helps speed recovery and prevent recurrence of disease.

H. pylori is hard to kill. A common regimen is clarithromycin, amoxicillin and omeprazole. Diagnosis can be made with biopsy specimens taken at the time of upper endoscopy, or by a breath test or stool test. Blood testing is not reliable. In people with stomach symptoms but who do not require endoscopy, many clinicians choose to look for H. pylori by stool or breath testing, and treat if present. Unfortunately, treating the infection is effective at curing symptoms only a minority of the time.

H. pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer and is the cause of most cases of a cancer called a MALToma. People with this unusual cancer often are cured (or at least have no evidence of disease after multiple years) with successful treatment of H. pylori, making it the first known cancer to be cured with antibiotics.

The risk for stomach cancer in North America is relatively low, so experts do not advise screening for H. pylori solely for the purpose of treating people to reduce their risk of stomach cancer. However, some people at high risk due to family history or other risk factors may elect screening.

Today’s Birthday: Envision your dreamy future this year.Extra winter income inspires new academic or travel directions. Align actions for love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (9) You’re especially strong and creative. Try not to break anything. Outdoor recreation is in the realm of possibility.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (6) Rest and recharge. Meditate on how you’d like things to go. Envision perfection, and determine your strategies.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (8) Solutions come from friends. Dive into a community effort or cause. Creative efforts take a leap forward.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (9) Your career is taking off. Don’t ignore your fears; use them for motivation. Crazy dreams seem possible.

Aries (March 21-April 19) (8) The next two weeks favor travel, research and higher education. Reinforce long-distance connections.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) (8) Monitor budgets and expenses. Cut risk and speculation. Don’t fall for a trick.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) (9) Join forces with a clever partner. You’re surrounded by love. Cook up something fun and interesting.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) (7) Stick to reliable routines. Balance a busy work schedule with self-care, exercise and rest.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (8) New romance blossoms. Plan for some fun today and tomorrow, especially. Consider all options. Go for substance over symbolism.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (7) Home comforts draw you in. Clean closets and drawers. Renovate and beautify your space.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (8) Write, sketch and express your views. Make practical modifications. Resist the temptation to overspend.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (9) Get into a profitable groove. Have faith in your own imagination and talents. Keep your promises and deadlines.