Key points

  • H. pylori is a bacteria that can be found in the stomach of most people
  • H. pylori causes inflammation in your stomach and can lead to stomach and intestinal ulcers, chronic stomach acidity, and stomach cancer
  • Up to 95% of stomach and intestinal ulcers can be caused by H. pylori
  • The initial detection for H. pylori can be easy through a simple blood test
  • The usual treatment for this bacteria is a course of antibiotic medications taken by mouth for two weeks
  • Early detection and treatment can help prevent serious health complications in the long-run.

 H. pylori is a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori that can infect your stomach. This bacteria causes inflammation in your stomach and can lead to stomach and intestinal ulcers, chronic stomach acidity, and stomach cancer. H. pylori has been implicated in up to 95% of ulcers. Approximately 50% of the world’s population is infected with this bacteria, and in some developing regions, H. pylori infection can be found in as high as 90% of people. Majority of people experience no symptoms from the infection and can go untreated for a long time. People who take anti-inflammatories regularly, like ibuprofen or naprosyn, and have H. pylori infection are at increased risk of developing ulcers. People with H. pylori are also more prone to anemia (low blood count).

The detection for H. pylori is easy. Your medical doctor can order the blood test or the Urea Breath Test (UBT) where available. The usual treatment for this bacteria is a course of three medications taken by mouth for two weeks. This treatment is effective in removing the bacteria in almost 80% of people. In a few people the bacteria may persist or they may get re-infected. If you continue to have stomach problems despite treatment, your physician can discuss other treatment options with you. Further testing in the form of a gastroscopy, a camera scope of your stomach, to check for other medical conditions can be considered. During the scope a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, of your stomach can also be done to confirm if you are still infected with H. Pylori.

Meet H. Pylori. An electron micrograph image of the not-so-friendly bacteria sitting on the stomach lining.Image from the Science Photo Library.

In summary, H. pylori if untreated can cause significant grief. It can be detected with simple tests, and the initial treatment is easy. Discuss H. Pylori with your health care provider and what it means for you or a loved one’s health. Early detection and treatment can help prevent serious health complications in the long-run. 

References

  1. Wannmacher L. Review of the evidence for H. Pylori treatment regimens. WHO18th Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, 21-25 Mar 2011, Accra, Ghana. Sec 17.1.
  2. Duynhoven YT &Jonge R. Transmission of H. Pylori: a role for food? Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2001; 79: 455–460.
  3. Fallone C, Veldhuyzen van Zanten S, Chiba N. The urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection: taking the wind out of the sails of endoscopy. Canadian Medical Association Journal Feb 8, 2000;162(3): 371-372.

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