Helicobacter Pylori Infection
En Español (Spanish Version)Helicobacter pylori
(H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines. It can lead to:
Treatment for H. pylori is done with antibiotics and other medication that relieves symptoms.
Gastric Ulcer
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This condition occurs when an infected person passes the bacteria to someone else. The bacteria are spread through:
- Fecal-oral contact
- Oral-oral contact
Factors that increase your risk of h. pylori infection include being in:
- Close contact with an infected person
- A crowded and unsanitary living environment
In most cases, there are not any symptoms. However, if someone develops an ulcer or gastritis, symptoms may include:
-
Abdominal pain that may:
- Awaken you from sleep
- Change when you eat
- Last for a few minutes or several hours
- Feel like unusually strong hunger pangs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Burping
- Vomiting blood
- Lightheadedness
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Stool test
- Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down your throat to look inside your stomach and to take tissue samples for testing
- Urea breath test—a test that can help detect if there is a current infection
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection
- H-2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antacids
To reduce your chances of getting h. pylori infection, take these steps:
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Drink water from a safe source.
-
Do not
smoke. Smoking increases the chance of getting an ulcer.
The American College of Gastroenterology
American Gastroenterological Association
Ontario Association of Gastroenterology
Helicobacter pylori. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/aip/research/hp.html. Accessed April 12, 2011.
Helicobacter pylori
infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated April 29, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/keytocure.htm. Updated September 28, 2006. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Travelers health helicobacter pylori. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/helicobacter-pylori.htm. Updated July 1, 2011. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Weyermann M, Rothenbacher D, Brenner H. Acquisition of
Helicobacter pylori
infection in early childhood: independent contributions of infected mothers, fathers, and siblings.
Am J Gastroenterol.
2009;104(1):182-189.
Last Reviewed May 2013