Peptic Ulcers

FAQ

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach of humans. This bacteria has certain properties that allow it to infect the stomach, but not other areas of the body. H. pylori can cause local inflammation. As a result, some people infected with the bacteria develop ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems.

How does someone get infected?

It is not known how individuals become infected with H. pylori. These infections may persist for many years. Though infection is commonly diagnosed later in life, but it may well have been present since early adulthood or childhood. No evidence indicates that this bacterial infection is transmitted by sharing food or kissing.

How is H. pylori diagnosed?

Unlike other bacterial infections, a culture is generally not taken. While in some cases a blood test may be useful, the best test for diagnosing H. pylori infection is with endoscopy and a biopsy (taking a tissue sample). Noninvasive methods of diagnosis include a breath test, which is routinely performed at Mayo Clinic. This test detects the presence of H. pylori by measuring some properties of an enzyme produced by the bacteria, and is collected in a patient's breath.

What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?

Most people with H. pylori infection have no gastrointestinal symptoms. However, people with H. pylori infection are about six times more likely to develop peptic ulcer disease than people not infected. When ulcers are present, pain or burning in the upper abdomen may develop. This often occurs an hour or so after meals and may worsen at night. These symptoms are often temporarily relieved by acid blocker medicines.

How do I know if this bacteria is causing my indigestion or abdominal pain?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a biopsy are often necessary to determine if H. pylori infection is causing pain. Many people may have non-ulcer dyspepsia, meaning that they have symptoms that suggest ulcers, but when tests are done, no ulcers are found. The biopsy may show a mild inflammation of the stomach called "gastritis." There is little evidence of a relationship between non-ulcer dyspesia or other symptoms, such as bloating and belching, and H. pylori infection.

Does H. pylori cause ulcers?

Because people with H. pylori infection are much more likely to develop peptic ulcers, it is felt that this infection causes peptic ulcers. About 90 percent of duodenal ulcers and 70 percent of gastric ulcers are related to H. pylori infection. On the other hand, most people with H. pylori infection do not get peptic ulcers which indicates that H. pylori infection by itself is not enough to cause ulcers, and other factors are involved. These factors may include smoking, alcohol use, difference between people and different strains of the bacteria.

How do I get rid of my H. pylori?

The bacteria is difficult to eradicate. Multiple antibiotics are necessary.

Is there a risk of getting cancer?

Some evidence suggests an increased risk of cancer of the stomach or an unusual stomach lymphoma associated with H. pylori infection. Cancer development is exceedingly rare.