Definition

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis).

The bacteria can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive stomach lining.

Alternative Names

Gastritis - Helicobacter pylori; H. pylori

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

As many as half of the world's population is infected with H. pylori. Those living in developing countries or crowded, unsanitary conditions are most likely to contract the bacterium, which is passed from person to person. H. pylori only grows in the stomach, and is usually contracted during childhood.

Interestingly, many people have this organism in their stomach, but don't get an ulcer or gastritis. Coffee drinking, smoking, and drinking alcohol increase your risk for an ulcer from H. pylori.

Symptoms

If you are a carrier of H. pylori, you may have no symptoms. If you have an ulcer or gastritis, you may have some of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Bloating and fullness
Dyspepsia or indigestion
Feeling very hungry 1 to 3 hours after eating
Mild nausea (may be relieved by vomiting)

Signs and tests

Simple blood, breath, and stool tests can determine if you are infected with H. pylori. If you have symptoms, your doctor will determine if you should have these screening tests.

The most accurate way to diagnose H. pylori is through upper endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Because this procedure is invasive, it is generally only done on people suspected to have an ulcer, or who are at high risk for ulcers or other complications from H. pylori, such as stomach cancer.

Risk factors include being over 45 or having symptoms such as:

Anemia
Difficulty swallowing
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss

Following treatment, breath and stool tests can determine if you have been cured of the infection.

Treatment

Patients who have H. pylori and also have an ulcer are most likely to benefit from being treated. Patients who only have heartburn or acid reflux and H. pylori are less likely to benefit from treatment. The treatment does not work in all patients.

Treatment must be taken for 10 to 14 days. Medications may include:

Two different antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), amoxicillin, tetracycline, or metronidazole (Flagyl)
Proton-pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium)
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), in some cases

Expectations (prognosis)

Once the H. pylori bacteria are gone from your body, the chance of being infected again is very low.

Complications

H. pylori infection is linked to stomach cancer and ulcer disease.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, ongoing indigestion or heartburn, or any of the other symptoms mentioned above.

Seek immediate medical help if you are vomiting blood.

Prevention

A clean and germ-free environment may help decrease your risk of H. pylori infection.

References

Chey WD, Wong BC. American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102(8):1808-1825.

Ables AZ, Simon I, Melton ER. Update on Helicobacter pylori treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(3):351-358.

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