Medically reviewed by Dr. Noor Hussam Abu-Farsakh — Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infections worldwide, and many people carry it without knowing. Most have no symptoms, but in some it causes gastritis and ulcers, and long-term it is linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer.
What is H. pylori?
A bacterium that lives in the stomach lining, usually acquired in childhood through contaminated food or water or close contact. It survives stomach acid, allowing it to persist for years.
Common symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain or burning, especially when hungry.
- Bloating and early fullness.
- Nausea and loss of appetite.
- Frequent belching.
How is it diagnosed?
With simple tests such as the urea breath test or a stool antigen test, or by biopsy during gastroscopy when needed. Blood antibody tests are not preferred as they cannot distinguish current from past infection.
Acid-reducing PPIs should be stopped 2 weeks, and antibiotics 4 weeks, before breath or stool testing for an accurate result.
Treatment
A combination of two or more antibiotics with an acid-reducing medicine, usually for 10–14 days, chosen according to your antibiotic history and local resistance.
Completing the full course is essential, and a repeat test at least 4 weeks after treatment confirms eradication.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss.
- Vomiting blood or black stool.
- Anaemia.
- New symptoms after age 50, or a family history of stomach cancer.
- Most carriers have no symptoms, but treatment prevents ulcers and complications.
- Breath or stool tests are the most accurate for diagnosis and confirming cure.
- Don’t repeat treatment on your own — choosing the right regimen improves success.
This article is for health education and does not replace medical advice.