Question

CHPT. 11: Summarize teh findings of teh individuals with asthma and H. pylori cases from teh NHANES III study. Do these findings support or refute Blaser’s hypothesis? On page 140, Blaser states: “My ideas about H. pylori – that they appear to be beneficial early in life for health and well-being but dangerous to health in later life – have not been well received by many of my colleagues. Just teh opposite. Some have labeled me a heretic.”   What do you think of his ideas given teh information posed in teh book thus far?

Answer 1

Yes you're absolutely right. H.pylori is really beneficial for health and wellbeing in early stages but can be proved to be dangerous later.

Various studies suggest that the eradication of H.pylori in treatment of duodenal ulcer may result in increased GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases). It also reduces the risk ofof obesity and asthma in children. It somehow prevents the inflammatory bowel diseases and severe celiac diseases among the adults. H.pylori maintains the overall environment of the GI tract.

Despite of being beneficial, in later stages H.pylori may cause harm to the host. The most damaging effect of it is the peptic ulcer. H.pylori causes chronic inflammation and increases the chance of gastric ulcer diseases. With time it may lead to gastric cancer also. You'll be amazed to know that it is the 2nd most cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.