Worried About H. Pylori?
A doctor may mention Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as a possible reason for gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. H pylori is a common bacterium that enters the body and lives in the digestive tract. Most people have trace amounts of H. pylori in the digestive tract. The bacteria typically come from dirty water or contaminated food. If H. pylori thrives and multiplies in the digestive tract, the bacteria can damage the stomach’s protective lining, causing painful stomach ulcers. If left unaddressed, the symptoms can become severe. Consulting a GI specialist can start treatment and prevent complications.
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
An H. pylori infection and the development of ulcers display a series of symptoms. A burning sensation in the stomach is the most common symptom. Bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sudden weight loss are other signs of infection. A primary care provider can provide an initial diagnosis and support. The patient will receive antibiotics, which will address H. pylori. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acid from affecting or forming additional stomach ulcers. Over-the-counter antacids provide mild relief. H pylori can improve within 4-8 weeks, but this depends on the response to treatment and the severity of the condition. Larger ulcers may need more time to heal. There are cases where symptoms worsen, requiring assistance from a GI specialist.
Is it time to see a GI specialist?
A gastroenterologist should be consulted for severe or persistent symptoms. For instance, patients with stomach pain lasting several days, frequent nausea, and constant bloating should seek further medical attention. Patients with a known history of stomach ulcers or past H. pylori infection should consult a GI specialist. Another reason is that basic treatment from a primary care provider does not improve symptoms. Some individuals may experience severe stomach pain, fever, vomit blood, or produce black tarry stools. These are emergency symptoms and should be treated immediately.
Back to the drawing board
Additional testing is required for persistent symptoms. Stool tests help doctors detect the bacteria. Other tests include an upper GI series test, which is an x-ray process, or a computed tomography (CT) scan. Some severe cases require upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The doctor will pass a snake-like tool with a camera attachment into the patient’s throat to view the stomach. A sample may be taken to test the specific type of bacteria causing symptoms. These tests can help GI specialists customize treatment. The patient may require a different type of antibiotic and PPI combination, or triple therapy.
Life after H. pylori
The doctor will monitor the patient and perform more testing after several weeks of antibiotics. Individuals with H. pylori are also at risk of developing stomach cancer. If there is a family history of stomach cancer, consider additional testing. Ulcers are a common side effect of H. pylori. Some may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which may need additional treatment. Making healthy lifestyle changes helps, such as improving hygiene, washing utensils thoroughly, and avoiding contaminated food. Adopting a whole food diet reduces ulcers and the recurrence of H. pylori. Stay vigilant and report any concerns to the GI specialist.
GI pain relief is possible
H. pylori is a common GI issue that can be addressed without issue if identified early. Most symptoms can look like other gastrointestinal conditions, so be observant and seek advice from a family doctor. Most individuals with H. pylori recover with triple therapy. Severe cases will require additional testing and stronger therapies. With consistent treatment and healthy habits during and after therapy, H. pylori and ulcers can be managed.
