H Pylori – Symptoms and Causes
About H. pylori Infection
H. pylori infection happens when Helicobacter pylori bacteria enter your stomach, typically during childhood. This common bacterial infection affects over half the world’s population.
Most people with H. pylori never experience symptoms or realize they’re infected.
The bacteria can damage the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine, potentially leading to sores called peptic ulcers. Ulcers can occur in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers).
If you develop symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your healthcare provider will likely test you for H. pylori. When diagnosed, the infection is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.
Symptoms
Many people with H. pylori infection show no symptoms at all. Scientists aren’t completely sure why some people remain symptom-free, but genetic resistance may play a role.
When symptoms do appear, they often relate to stomach inflammation or ulcers.
Common signs include:
- Burning or aching pain in the abdomen
- Stomach pain that worsens on an empty stomach
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating sensation
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may come and go over time. The severity varies from person to person, with some experiencing mild discomfort while others face more significant pain.
When to See a Doctor
Call your healthcare provider if you notice signs that might be gastritis or a peptic ulcer. Get emergency help right away if you have:
- Severe stomach pain that may wake you up
- Black or bloody stools
- Vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
These symptoms need immediate attention. Don’t wait or try to treat them at home.
Causes
H. pylori infection happens when these bacteria enter your stomach. People typically get this infection through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, vomit, or stool.
The bacteria can also spread through food or water that contains H. pylori. Scientists still don’t fully understand why these bacteria cause gastritis or peptic ulcers in some people but not others.
Ways H. pylori spreads:
- Person-to-person contact with infected bodily fluids
- Contaminated food consumption
- Contaminated water consumption
Risk Factors
H. pylori infections usually begin in childhood. Several living conditions during early years can increase the chance of getting this infection:
- Crowded living spaces – Homes with many people raise the risk of infection.
- Lack of clean water – Limited access to clean, running water makes infection more likely.
- Developing country residence – Higher infection rates exist in developing countries where overcrowding and poor sanitation are common.
- Household exposure – Living with someone who has H. pylori significantly increases your risk of catching the infection.
These factors show that environment plays a key role in H. pylori transmission. Children in places with limited resources or poor sanitation face greater exposure to this bacteria.
Complications
Ulcers
Ulcers develop when H. pylori bacteria damage the protective lining of the digestive tract. This damage allows stomach acid to create open sores in the affected tissue.
About 1 in 10 people infected with H. pylori will eventually develop an ulcer.
These sores, known as peptic ulcers, can form in different parts of the digestive system. When an ulcer forms in the stomach, it’s called a gastric ulcer. Duodenal ulcers develop in the first section of the small intestine (duodenum).
Less commonly, ulcers may form in the lower portion of the esophagus, known as esophageal ulcers.
Without proper treatment, ulcers can cause significant discomfort and potentially lead to more serious health problems. Symptoms often include:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling of fullness or bloating
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Prevention
Health professionals in regions with high rates of H. pylori may screen people without symptoms. However, the benefit of testing without symptoms remains debated among experts.
If you worry about H. pylori infection or believe you have a higher stomach cancer risk, speak with your doctor. Together, you can determine if testing makes sense for your situation.
Testing might be particularly important for those with a family history of stomach cancer. It might also be important for those living in areas with high infection rates or those who have had previous stomach problems.
Your healthcare provider can help assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive measures.
