H Pylori- What Is It?

Helicobacter pylori or “H. Pylori” is a bacteria which causes painful stomach infections.

Most prevalent in older adults, H. pylori is a very common chronic infection.

H Pylori- What are the Signs?

While many have H. pylori in their system, symptoms may not always present themselves outright.

However, the most common symptoms of H. pylori include burning, bloating, abdominal pain, gas and nausea.

For more information on H. pylori breath testing click here.

H. Pylori- How is it Treated?

Patients suspected of having H. pylori are typically tested through their blood, stool samples, breath tests and through an endoscopy.

If there is evidence of H. pylori in your system, your doctor will typically use antibiotics in conjunction with a proton pump inhibitor to treat the infection.

A urea breath test is the most common breath test applied to monitor for H. pylori. In this test, a drug solution is taken by the patient and the doctor is able to monitor for H. pylori bacteria in the stomach before and after the solution has been consumed.

4 weeks after your treatment plan has been completed your doctor will perform a test to see if the H. pylori has been eliminated from your system.

However, it is important to note that H. pylori can be difficult to cure.

H. Pylori-What Happens if it goes Untreated?

If untreated, patients with H. pylori can often develop a risk for peptic ulcers, stomach cancer, dyspepsia and gastritis.

Children suffering with H. pylori have also been reported with iron deficiencies.

H. pylori can also be considered mistreated if a patient does not disclose that they have taken antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to treating the bacteria.

H Pylori Testing at Bowie Internal

For more information on H. pylori breath testing and to speak with our staff of trusted professionals call Bowie Internal Medicine today at (301)262-8188.