H. pylori infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. A common cause of stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers), H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the people in the world. Most people don’t realize they have H. pylori infection because they never get sick from it. If you develop signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your health care provider will probably test you for H. pylori infection. A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). H. pylori infection is treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Most people with H. pylori infection will never have any signs or symptoms. It’s not clear why many people don’t have symptoms. But some people may be born with more resistance to the harmful effects of H. pylori.
When signs or symptoms do occur with H. pylori infection, they are typically related to gastritis or a peptic ulcer and may include:
- An ache or burning pain in your stomach (abdomen)
- Stomach pain that may be worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice any signs and symptoms that may be gastritis or a peptic ulcer. Seek immediate medical help if you have:
- Severe or ongoing stomach (abdominal) pain that may awaken you from sleep
- Bloody or black tarry stools
- Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
For more information please click here