Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that resides in the stomach. It can damage the lining of the stomach and duodenum—especially when combined with stomach acid—leading to inflammation and peptic ulcers. While an estimated 30–40% of the U.S. population carries H. pylori, most people never develop ulcers. However, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, H. pylori remains a leading cause of ulcers in those who do. 

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach. When combined with stomach acid, it can damage the protective lining of the stomach and duodenum, leading to inflammation and the development of peptic ulcers. Although an estimated 30–40% of the U.S. population carries H. pylori, most individuals do not experience symptoms.

Still, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, H. pylori is a leading cause of ulcers in those who do.

The following are the most common symptoms of ulcers. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Soon after being infected with H. pylori, most people develop gastritis--an inflammation of the stomach lining. However, most people will never have symptoms or problems related to the infection.

When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Abdominal discomfort, which may:

• Be a dull, gnawing pain.

• Occur two to three hours after a meal.

• Come and go for several days or weeks.

• It occurs in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty.

• Be relieved by eating or taking antacid medication.

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating

• Burping

• Nausea

• Vomiting

The symptoms of ulcers may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. 

Researchers are still unsure why some individuals with H. pylori develop symptoms or ulcers while others do not. The bacterium is believed to spread through oral contact—such as kissing—or via the fecal-oral route, often due to poor hygiene or contaminated food and water. Most people are exposed to

H. pylori during childhood.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for H. pylori may include the following:

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• Blood tests--to identify antibodies that indicate the presence of the bacterium
   

• Stool culture--to check for the presence of abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract that may cause diarrhea and other problems. A small sample of stool is collected and sent to a laboratory by your doctor's office. In two or three days, the test will show whether abnormal bacteria are present.
   

• Breath tests--to determine if carbon is present  after swallowing an aureacapsule--the presence of carbon signals the release of urease
  by H. pylori.
   

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called EGD or upper endoscopy)--a procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the doctor to view the inside of this area of the body and insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary). Tissue removed during an endoscopy is used to detect the presence of the enzyme urease and examine the bacteria that are present. 

Specific treatment for H. pylori ulcers will be determined by your doctor
based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the disease

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the disease

• Your opinion or preference 

Antibiotics (to kill the bacteria)

Medications (to suppress acid production), including the following:

H2-blockers (to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach by blocking histamine, a powerful stimulant of acid secretion)

Proton pump inhibitors (to more completely block stomach acid production by stopping the stomach's acid pump--the final step of acid secretion).

Stomach-lining protectors (to protect the stomach lining from acid and help

kill the bacteria)  

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.

Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.