At Gastrointestinal & Liver Specialists of Tidewater, we know that patients and families want to know as much as they can about the GI system and disorders that affect their daily lives. Refer to the list below to find the information that is most helpful to you. If you still have questions, please contact us through our website.
What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori, is a bacteria that is commonly found in the stomach. It is present in approximately one-half of the world’s population. H. pylori infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers, and a cause of inflammation of the stomach lining. An H. pylori infection may also contribute to stomach cancers.
What causes H. pylori?
H. pylori is probably spread by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter. The stomach is generally a very hostile environment for many bacteria, but H. pylori is especially well-adapted for survival in the stomach. H. pylori weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), which allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Both the acid from the stomach and the bacteria can irritate the lining and cause a sore, or ulcer.
What are the symptoms of H. pylori?
The presence of H. pylori does not always cause symptoms, however if a sore or ulcer is present you may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody or black tarry stools, bloating or change in appetite or weight loss.
How is H. pylori diagnosed?
Your doctor will review your history and perform a physical examination as well as order a series of tests to help determine the cause of your abdominal pain. These tests may include:
- Breath test: H. pylori produces a naturally occurring chemical called urea that can be detected with a breath test.
- Stool antigen tests: A stool sample is sent to the lab to detect foreign proteins (antigens) that are present with an H. pylori infection.
- Endoscopy: Your doctor may perform an upper endoscopy to view your upper digestive tract and take biopsies. With this procedure, a long flexible tube with a tiny camera is passed through your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine. Biopsies (microscopic tissue specimens) of the stomach can be obtained to look for H. pylori bacteria under the microscope.
How is H. pylori treated?
Your doctor will prescribe a combination of medications to treat H. pylori these may include:
- Antibiotics: metronidazole, tetracycline, clarithromycin, amoxicillin
- Examples include: Proton pump inhibitors: omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprozole
- Bismuth subsalicylate
- H2 blockers: cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine
When to seek medical advice:
Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you experience bloody or black stools, have bloody vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or red blood colored, or if you experience severe, persistent upper abdominal pain.