Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. It is a common cause of gastritis and of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Many people who carry it have no symptoms.
Possible symptoms
- Pain or burning in the upper abdomen, which may get better or worse with food.
- Bloating, feeling full early and nausea.
- With a bleeding ulcer: black stool or vomiting blood, which needs emergency care.
How is it tested?
- A urea breath test and a stool test to detect the bacterium.
- Gastroscopy with a biopsy, especially when there are warning symptoms.
Some medicines, such as acid-lowering drugs and antibiotics, need to be stopped for a period before some tests, so ask your doctor before testing and do not stop your medicine on your own.
Treatment
Treatment is a combination of medicines that includes antibiotics together with an acid-lowering medicine for a period your doctor decides. The regimen is chosen to suit the patient and the local pattern of drug resistance. Finishing every dose is very important for success.
Confirming it has cleared
After treatment, and after a suitable interval, the breath or stool test is repeated to confirm that the bacterium has gone. Some cases need a second regimen.
The information on this website is for health education and does not replace a medical examination or direct consultation.
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