What do you need to know about Helicobacter pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach.
This usually happens during childhood. A common cause of peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the people in the world.
Most people don't realize they have H. pylori infection, because they never get sick from it.
If you develop signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will probably test you for H. pylori infection. If you have H. pylori infection, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Most people with H. pylori infection will never have any signs or symptoms.
When signs or symptoms do occur with H. pylori infection, they may include:
- An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
- Abdominal pain that's worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bloody or black tarry stools
- Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Causes
The exact way H. pylori infects someone is still unknown.
H. pylori bacteria may be passed from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit or fecal matter.
H. pylori may also be spread through contaminated food or water.
The risk factor for developing an infection is contact with an already infected person.
Complications
Complications associated with H. pylori infection include:
- Ulcers.
- Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis).
- Stomach cancer.
source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/symptoms-causes/syc-20356171
