H. Pylori Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
H. pylori, also known as Helicobacter pylori, is bacteria that infects your digestive tract. Over time, it may result in sores, or ulcers, developing along your stomach lining or your small intestine. In severe cases, the infection may even evolve into stomach cancer.
The infection itself is common and an estimated two-thirds of people in the world have the bacteria in their body at a given time. Fortunately, most people may not even know they have it, because it doesn’t always cause symptoms such as ulcers. Many who do show symptoms also receive help from medications and current treatment options available, including H. pylori supplements.
Risk Factors for H. Pylori Infection
There are a few risk factors that may indicate if you’re at risk for developing H. pylori. For starters, the infection typically affects children more than adults. In fact, if you’re an adult and have the infection, chances are you contracted the bacteria sometime in your childhood since it often takes years for the infection to present symptoms. If you lived in the following conditions as a child, you may have a higher likelihood than others to develop the condition:
- Crowded conditions
- Lack of a clean water supply
- Resided in a developing country
- Lived with someone infected with the H. pylori bacteria
Causes of H. Pylori Infection
To date, the exact cause of the H. pylori infection remains unknown, though doctors believe it might pass from person to person via contact with vomit, saliva, or feces. Some also believe it may infect people via contaminated water or food.
Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection
If you have the H. pylori infection, you may experience a burning pain in your abdomen that may last anywhere from a few moments to hours. This is a common sign that ulcers are forming in the lining of your stomach or small intestine. Other symptoms of ulcers include the following:
- Nausea
- Burping
- Bloating
- Weight Loss
- Lack of Appetite
If your ulcers bleed into your intestines or stomach, you may notice additional symptoms, including:
- Bloody or Black Stool
- Difficulty Breathing
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Pale Skin
- Bloody Vomit
- Severe Abdominal Pain
In rare, more severe cases, an H. pylori infection may result in stomach cancer, which has its own set of symptoms you may notice over time, such as the following:
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Feeling full without eating much
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
Diagnosis of H. Pylori Infection
If you think you may have an H. pylori infection, schedule a visit with your doctor. If you have symptoms of ulcers, your doctor may confirm the presence of the infection by running tests so he or she can recommend the best treatment options for your condition.
At the beginning of your appointment, your doctor will run through your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical exam. During the exam, he or she will check your stomach for signs of swelling, pain, or tenderness. They may also order the following tests:
- Blood Tests
- Stool Tests
- Urea Breath Test
If you have ulcers, your doctor may also perform the following procedures and tests to get a better look at them:
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Upper GI Tests
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Treatment of H. Pylori Infection
If you have ulcers because of the H. pylori bacteria, your doctor will recommend medications to kill the bacteria and heal the damage caused by the ulcers. Typically, it takes between one and two weeks to recover from the ulcers. Some medications your doctor may recommend include the following:
- Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin, tinidazole, clarithromycin, metronidazole, or tetracycline
- Drugs: Your doctor may prescribe drugs such as dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and more.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Other Medications, including cimetidine, nizatidine, famotidine, or ranitidine
Prognosis of H. Pylori Infection
Fortunately, anyone infected with the bacteria has a great prognosis. With so many effective treatment options available, doctors can help your body heal from the infection.
Complications of H. Pylori Infection
If left untreated, an H. pylori infection may result in stomach bleeding, anemia, hypotension, gastritis, and stomach cancer.
