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H pylori overview

Things you need to know about H pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (HEL-ik-oh BAK-ter pie-LOR-ee) is a bacterium that causes digestive problems by infecting the stomach. Infection with H pylori bacteria causes inflammation of the stomach lining, and can lead to ulcers, and stomach cancer. 

Although most people with H pylori don’t get stomach cancer, most people with stomach cancer get it as a result of an H pylori infection.

Who gets H pylori?

Anyone can get H pylori. About half the world's population has it. In the United States about 2 in 5 people are affected, although it is more common among Hispanic, Black, and Asiatic individuals. 

How does H pylori make you feel sick?

 

The H pylori bacteria attaches to the tissue that protects the stomach, damaging it and allowing the stomach acids to get through to the stomach wall. The bacteria can also irritate stomach cells and cause too much stomach acid.

 

In many cases H pylori won’t become active and make someone sick. When it does, problems can include heartburn located below the chest and above the stomach (an area called the upper abdomen) that lasts or keeps happening.

Patient data for H pylori

What is the treatment for H pylori?

Once active H pylori infection has been diagnosed, the treatment may include a combination of the following:

  • Bacteria-killing drugs called antibiotics
  • A medication such as Pepto-Bismol®
  • Another medicine to reduce the acid in the stomach

At least four weeks after treatment is finished, you should be tested again to make sure that the H pylori infection is gone. Just remember: test-treat-retest.

Does treatment prevent stomach cancer?

There is some evidence that early treatment of H pylori can reduce the risk of stomach cancer, although more proof is needed for doctors to be sure. Fortunately, only a very small number of H pylori patients—fewer than 1 in 1,000—will get stomach cancer, so it is very rare.

How is it spread?

H pylori is thought to spread through contaminated food and water and through direct contact with saliva. In most cases, the infection happens during childhood, especially in children living in poor, crowded areas with poor waste removal.

Do you think you might have an H pylori infection?

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and testing for H pylori infection, or order a test directly from Quest. 

 

 

Order an H pylori test directly from Quest

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H pylori overview

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