HELICOBACTER PYLORI

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori for short) is a type of bacteria that lives inside the stomach.

 

Why do we treat an H.Pylori infection?

We treat this infection to prevent it from causing damage to your stomach.

This damage can be described as:

• Irritation or inflammation in the stomach called gastritis
• an open sore in the stomach called an ulcer

What are common symptoms associated with H.Pylori infection?

• Abdominal pain that is
  • usually located in the upper part of your abdomen
  • worse with an empty stomach
  • described as an aching or burning pain
• Nausea

How is H.Pylori diagnosed?

There are multiple ways to test for H. Pylori. Some are more accurate than others and your doctor will work with you to determine the best form of testing.

• Urease breath test: involves ingestion a small amount of a radioactive substance and testing the amount of carbon dioxide detected in breath samples.
• Poop Test (Stool antigen testing): involves doing a laboratory test on a sample of stool
• Blood Test: This test looks for markers of H.Pylori infection but cannot distinguish between an active and past infection.
• A Scope test (Endoscopy): A flexible camera that looks inside the stomach can be used to take a biopsy (small piece) of the stomach lining to see if the bacteria are present.

How is H.Pylori infection treated?

H.Pylori are tough bacteria because they live in the stomach where there is lots of acid to help break down food.

There are a few different ways to treat this infection. Almost all involve a combination of acid lowering medications and antibiotics. The most important step is to talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your H.pylori infection.

Treatment typically includes: 

1. An acid lowering medication — also called a proton pump inhibitor or PPI
2. A combination of antibiotics (most common listed below)
   1. Amoxicillin
   2. Metronidazole also called flagyl
   3. Clarithromycin

What can you do to prepare for your appointment?

Write down a list of answers to common questions your doctor may want to know the answer to:

• When did your symptoms start?
• Does anything make them worse?
• Has anyone in your family (parents or siblings) had similar symptoms?
• Are your symptoms continuous (always there) or are they intermittent (come and go)?
• Do you take over the counter medications? Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (Acetaminophen), or other anti-acid medications (tums, maalox, pepto-bismol)