H. pylori Infection
عدوى الملوية البوابية
A common bacterial infection of the stomach lining, a leading cause of peptic ulcers and a risk factor for stomach cancer if left untreated. Many people carry it without symptoms; when it does cause problems, it's treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medication.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives in the stomach lining. Many infected people have no symptoms, but it can cause gastritis and peptic (stomach or duodenal) ulcers, and it is a risk factor for stomach cancer.
When symptoms occur they include upper abdominal pain or burning, bloating, nausea and feeling full quickly.
It is diagnosed with a breath, stool or endoscopy test, and treated with a combination of antibiotics plus an acid-reducing medicine prescribed by a doctor. Testing is recommended for people with ulcers or persistent indigestion.
Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain or burning
Often between meals or at night.
Bloating and belching
Nausea
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
Frequent indigestion
Unintentional weight loss
Often no symptoms
Many carriers are unaware of the infection.
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Infection with H. pylori bacteria — Spread from person to person, usually in childhood, likely through contaminated food, water or close contact.
- Damage to the stomach's protective lining — The bacteria and the inflammation they cause can weaken the lining, allowing acid to injure it.
Risk factors
- Living in crowded conditions or with limited clean water
- Living with an infected person
- Growing up in a region where the infection is common
- Poor hygiene in early life
How is it diagnosed?
Testing is done when symptoms suggest ulcer or gastritis, and to confirm the infection is gone after treatment.
Urea breath test
Detects the bacteria after you swallow a test solution.
Stool antigen test
Finds H. pylori proteins in a stool sample.
Upper endoscopy with biopsy
Used when symptoms are severe or warning signs are present.
Preparing for the test
Some medicines (acid reducers, antibiotics) must be stopped for a period before testing; your doctor will advise.
Treatment
H. pylori is treated with a combination of several medicines — usually two antibiotics plus an acid-reducing medicine — over one to two weeks. The regimen depends on local resistance patterns and your history, and is chosen by your doctor.
Combination therapy (eradication)
Take every dose as prescribed for the full course; missed doses can cause treatment failure and resistance.
Testing to confirm cure
A repeat breath or stool test can confirm the infection is gone; your doctor will advise on timing after treatment.
Treating ulcer complications
Bleeding ulcers or perforation need urgent hospital care.
Never use leftover antibiotics or self-treat; the regimen must be selected by a doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Upper abdominal pain or indigestion lasting more than a few weeks
- Frequent nausea or loss of appetite
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Recurring ulcers
- Anaemia without an obvious cause
Seek urgent care if
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry or bloody stools
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing or unintentional weight loss
Prevention
Wash hands carefully
Especially after using the toilet and before eating.
Eat food that is properly prepared and drink safe water
Seek testing and treatment if you live with someone who has H. pylori and has symptoms
Avoid smoking
It slows ulcer healing.
Frequently asked questions
What is H. pylori?
A common bacterium that infects the stomach lining and can cause gastritis and ulcers.
Is H. pylori contagious?
It appears to spread from person to person, usually in childhood, through close contact or contaminated food or water.
Does everyone with H. pylori need treatment?
Not always. Treatment is recommended for people with ulcers, certain symptoms, or other risk factors. Your doctor will decide.
How is H. pylori diagnosed?
With a breath test, stool test or endoscopy with biopsy.
Can H. pylori cause stomach cancer?
It is a recognised risk factor for stomach cancer, although most infected people never develop it.
Can H. pylori come back?
Reinfection is uncommon after successful treatment, but the infection can return if treatment fails, which is why a test to confirm cure is advised.
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Medical sources
This page summarizes general information from the sources below.