About this condition
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can colonise the stomach lining. Infection may occur without symptoms or be associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease; symptoms alone cannot confirm it.
What matters most
A positive antibody blood test does not necessarily show a current infection because antibodies may remain after treatment. A clinician selects testing for active infection according to the patient’s history and indications.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
Some people report recurrent upper abdominal pain, nausea or fullness; many have no complaints. These symptoms are non-specific and can arise from several digestive disorders. Bleeding signs require a different level of urgency.
How it differs from similar conditions
H. pylori infection is not synonymous with every case of indigestion. Confirmed active infection, ulcer symptoms and alarm features lead to different assessment pathways. Self-prescribed antibiotics can promote resistance and complicate future treatment.
Assessment and investigations
Testing for active infection may involve a breath test, stool antigen or an indicated biopsy-based method. A post-treatment test should be planned at the correct interval and with appropriate medicine pauses as advised by the treating clinician.
Care options and limitations
Eradication normally requires a clinician-selected combination regimen accounting for previous treatments, contraindications and resistance risk. Success should be confirmed no sooner than four weeks after antibiotics and after any required pause in acid-suppressing treatment.
When emergency help is needed
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stool, sudden severe abdominal pain or collapse may indicate ulcer bleeding or another emergency. Call 103 or 112 immediately rather than waiting for routine H. pylori tests.
Related information
Functional oesophageal disorders; Functional gallbladder and biliary disorders; Cholecystitis.
Signs and symptoms
Some people report recurrent upper abdominal pain, nausea or fullness; many have no complaints. These symptoms are non-specific and can arise from several digestive disorders. Bleeding signs require a different level of urgency.
Diagnosis and tests
Testing for active infection may involve a breath test, stool antigen or an indicated biopsy-based method. A post-treatment test should be planned at the correct interval and with appropriate medicine pauses as advised by the treating clinician.
Care and treatment approaches
Eradication normally requires a clinician-selected combination regimen accounting for previous treatments, contraindications and resistance risk. Success should be confirmed no sooner than four weeks after antibiotics and after any required pause in acid-suppressing treatment.
When to seek urgent care
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stool, sudden severe abdominal pain or collapse may indicate ulcer bleeding or another emergency. Call 103 or 112 immediately rather than waiting for routine H. pylori tests.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive H. pylori antibody test prove current infection?
No. Antibodies may persist after treatment, so another appropriate test is used to assess active infection.
When should eradication be checked?
Usually at least four weeks after antibiotics, with a clinician-directed pause in medicines that can affect the test.
Can I select my own antibiotic regimen?
No. Treatment depends on patient factors, prior courses and resistance considerations; unsupervised use is unsafe.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
