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Ulcers can be contagious
Ebony, Oct, 2005
Q For some reason, I continue to be victimized by painful, nagging ulcers, even though I carefully watch what I eat, and I don't lead a stressful life. I can't tell you how totally surprised and shocked I was to hear a doctor say that ulcers can be contagious. How in the world can this happen? And what can I do to make sure I avoid it?
F.M., Greensboro, N.C.
A Surprising as it may seem, doctors say kissing can be the culprit. Ulcers are usually caused by H. pylori, a bacterium that penetrates the stomach lining.
Kissing can transmit the bacterium, which can be successfully treated with antibiotics. However, a person can be exposed to the bacterium through saliva that's infected with H. pylori.
Doctors say if a person has an H. pylori-induced ulcer, he or she and their partner should seriously consider taking antibiotics to avoid infecting each other.
After treatment, medical experts say it's also a good idea to get a new toothbrush so you won't reinfect yourself.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
