Helicobacter pylori infection (patient information)

Helicobacter pylori infection
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for (Condition)?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Helicobacter pylori infection is an acute or chronic illness caused by infection of the stomach with the bacterium H. pylori. The infection is mostly without symptoms. Approximately half of worlds population is infected with H. pylori. The disease is characterized by dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, adenocarcinoma of stomach or MALT lymphoma.

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Majority of patients infected are asymptomatic. Symptoms of H. pylori infection include:

• Bad breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain or tummy ache
• Bloating
• Burping
• Fullness of stomach
• Dark or tarry like stools
• Feeling tired
• Loose stools

What causes Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori infection is caused by the bacterium H. pylori. The infection occurs in places with overcrowding and poor hygiene. People get the infection by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and through close contact like sharing utensils, drinking glasses and kissing.

Where to find medical care for Helicobacter pylori infection?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Helicobacter pylori infection