What is h. pylori infection?

Your test shows the presence of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori), a kind of bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. Many people have H. pylori in their stomachs and do not develop problems. But sometimes H. pylori causes an upset stomach or a sore (ulcer) in the stomach lining. Most stomach ulcers are caused by H. pylori. Symptoms of an ulcer include gnawing or burning pain in the belly that can last minutes or hours. Eating food or taking antacids helps relieve the pain, but the symptoms may come back after a while. Antibiotic medicine can cure an H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach. These bacteria produce inflammation and cause the stomach and the lining of the intestines to be more easily damaged by stomach acid. But most people infected with H. pylori don't get ulcers.

Another factor—one that can't always be identified—may be needed to cause an ulcer to form. These things may include:

• The use of certain medicines. Examples are aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Other illnesses.

Most people don't have any symptoms. But sometimes an H. pylori infection causes an upset stomach or a stomach sore (ulcer). Symptoms of an ulcer include gnawing or burning pain in the belly that can last for hours. Taking antacids or eating helps relieve the pain, but the symptoms may come back.

You can get rid of Helicobacter pylori bacteria by taking certain antibiotics that are specifically directed at this bacteria.

People who had a peptic ulcer and are infected with H. pylori need treatment to cure the infection. This will lower their risk of getting another peptic ulcer. Treatment with a combination of medicines works very well to cure an H. pylori infection. Sometimes H. pylori bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics. This can keep the medicine from killing the bacteria.

Some people who take medicine to treat the H. pylori infection may need a follow-up test to make sure that the infection is cured.

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your doctor prescribes other medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicine your doctor prescribes.
• Eat smaller meals more often, instead of three larger meals a day.
• Avoid eating foods that bother you. And avoid things that can irritate your stomach lining, such as black pepper or items with caffeine (soda, tea, coffee, and chocolate).
• Avoid eating several hours before going bed.
• Do not smoke. Smoking slows the healing of your ulcer and can make an ulcer come back. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol can slow healing of an ulcer and can make your symptoms worse.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medicines, because they can irritate the stomach. If you need pain medicine, try acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is a major cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer.