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Helicobacter Pylori Infection

( H. Pylori Infection)

Pronounced: hel-lick-o-back-ter pie-lor-ee in-fek-shun

by Marjorie Montemayor-Quellenberg, MA

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines. It can lead to:

Gastritis, a inflammation of the stomach lining

Ulcers

Treatment for H. pylori is done with antibiotics and other medication that relieves symptoms.

Gastric Ulcer

Causes

This condition occurs when an infected person passes the bacteria to someone else. The bacteria are spread through:

Fecal-oral contact

Oral-oral contact

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of h. pylori infection include being in:

Close contact with an infected person

A crowded and unsanitary living environment

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment

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

Prevention

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.

RESOURCES:

The American College of Gastroenterology

http://www.gi.org

American Gastroenterological Association

http://www.gastro.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Ontario Association of Gastroenterology

http://www.gastro.on.ca

References:

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 by Brian Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.