Medical Conditions » H. Pylori

What is H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria. Doctors believe that H. pylori is responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers, which are sores on the lining of the stomach or beginning of the small intestine. Certain spicy foods or stress are not known to cause peptic ulcers.

H. pylori infection is common. Doctors are not certain how people contract it, but they think it may be through food or water. The H. pylori bacteria weaken the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum, which allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Both the acid and the bacteria irritate the lining and cause a sore, or ulcer.

What are the symptoms of an ulcer?

Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom. This is usually a dull, gnawing ache in the belly that may come and go for several days or weeks. It often occurs in the middle of the night or 2 to 3 hours after a meal.

Testing for H. pylori

It is important to test for H. pylori if an ulcer is found because treatment for an ulcer caused by H. pylori is different from that for an ulcer caused by NSAIDs. H. pylori is diagnosed through blood, breath, stool, and tissue tests. Urea breath tests are a diagnostic method for H. pylori.

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