What is H. pylori?

Get to know the bug that may be upsetting your stomach

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium (“germ” or “bug”) that infects the lining of the stomach. It is one of the most common bacterial infections in the world, and having it is a major risk factor for stomach cancer. H. pylori infections can cause chronic gastritis (irritation of the stomach lining), peptic ulcer disease (sores inside the stomach), and gastric cancer (stomach cancer). It often exhibits similar symptoms to other gastrointestinal (gut) conditions, which can complicate diagnosis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

H. pylori is a bacteria (germ) that lives in the lining of the stomach, and it’s one of the world’s most common bacterial infections. It’s estimated that 1 out of 3 people in the United
States is infected.

Over-the-counter medications to manage stomach symptoms only provide temporary relief and might hide the H. pylori infection.


When H. pylori infections are not treated by a doctor, they can lead to long-term complications such as ulcers and even stomach (gastric) cancer. Although we used to think that spicy food, acid, and stress were the major causes of ulcers, we now know that 9 out of 10 ulcers are caused by the H. pylori bacteria.

 

1 out of 3

people in the United States are infected with H. pylori

*source

Ulcers and H. pylori

An ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). People of any age can get an ulcer. Additionally, women are just as likely as men to get an ulcer. Over 25 million Americans suffer from ulcers.

 

9 out of 10 ulcers

are caused by untreated H. pylori infections.

*source

How to know if you have an H. pylori infection

The only way to know if you have an H. pylori infection is to get tested. When talking with your doctor, it’s important to share your symptoms, family history, and any medications you are taking.

This information, along with questions your doctor may ask, can help your doctor determine if you are at a greater risk for an H. pylori infection or if an H. pylori infection is causing your symptoms. Simple test options are available to determine if you are positive for H. pylori

Treating H. pylori

H. pylori is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid to help heal the stomach and get rid of the infection.

Treatment may help to:

  • Improve symptoms
  • Decrease the number of medications taken daily
  • Reduce the risk of developing ulcers or stomach cancer
How to know if the H. pylori infection is gone

It’s important to follow up with your doctor after finishing your medications. In some cases, you may be required to complete more than one round of treatment (antibiotics) to take care of the infection.

Therefore, your doctor should order a second test once you have completed your medications to confirm the H. pylori infection is gone. This is the ONLY way to know if the infection has been treated successfully, even if symptoms have gone away.

Reasons to get tested for H. pylori:

  • Ongoing unexplained stomach symptoms (eg, burning, bloating, belching)
  • Active ulcer(s) or a history of ulcers
  • Gastric cancer or a history of gastric cancer
  • Confirmation a previous H. pylori infection has been treated successfully

Take The Steps to Get Tested



Providers and Patients must advocate and eradicate together…

As healthcare providers, we must ensure prompt testing and treatment for H. pylori. Too often, we treat only the symptoms of H. pylori, rather than the root cause. 

H. pylori causes vague symptoms that overlap with many gastrointestinal conditions, or may have no symptoms. Patients are often unable to find accurate information about what may be causing their abdominal discomfort, or they may have been misdiagnosed, potentially several times over. If your patient reports persistent gastrointestinal upset, ruling out H. pylori infection is a straightforward and practical first step in identifying the underlying cause. H. pylori is a leading cause of gastric cancer; early identification and treatment of this common infection are crucial.

Take Charge of Your Gut Health

Unsure about ulcers? Relying on meds that only ease the symptoms? You’re not alone. Visit our Patient Resources page to learn how H. pylori causes ulcers, what to ask your doctor, the risks of long-term PPI use, and what treatment options are available. Get the facts. Ask better questions. Feel better.

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You’re Not Alone

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, help is here. Visit our Support page to find trusted resources, downloadable materials, and community connections through No Stomach For Cancer and leading GI organizations.

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