Helicobacter pylori infections affect an estimated 30 to 40 percent of Americans at some point, making them a common stomach condition.
An infection occurs when a certain type of bacteria, called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, enters the digestive system. The bacteria spreads easily, especially in communities challenged with unclean water and poor sanitation. In fact, research shows that more than half of people worldwide will become infected at some point, typically during childhood.
The bacteria is transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva, stool, or vomit, often when the infected person fails to properly wash their hands. It can also spread through contaminated food or water.
While many patients don’t report a single symptom, others experience stomach issues like discomfort, bloating, or gas. In some more severe cases, the bacteria can create open sores called peptic ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. In even rarer situations, an untreated infection can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
At Charleston GI, our board certified gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of digestive conditions, diseases, and cancers. Our qualified GI doctors have the experience and tools needed to resolve your GI concerns and get you back to feeling your best.
To best serve our patients, Charleston GI is open five days a week. Plus, there’s no referral needed. Reach out to a member of our trusted medical team for relief, reassurance, or peace of mind. That is a higher standard of caring. That is Charleston GI.
H. pylori infections occur when H. pylori bacteria enter the stomach lining. These bacteria typically spread through contact with unclean surfaces or an infected person’s saliva, vomit, or stool. They can also spread by eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors are closely linked to your living conditions, personal health, and everyday habits. These factors impact the spread of H. pylori bacteria:
Living Conditions
Crowded housing
Living in close proximity to many people boosts your chance of exposure with H. pylori germs.
Limited access to clean water
Drinking water that is not properly treated increases the risk exposure
Living in a developing country
These infections are more common in developing nations, especially in children, because clean water is harder to come by.
Health History
Stomach conditions that damage the lining
GI conditions like atrophic gastritis may result in long-term swelling and thinning of the stomach lining, which makes it easier for H. pylori to take hold.
Immune system concerns
Problems like pernicious anemia weaken the body’s natural defenses and boost the risk of infection.
Noncancerous stomach tumors
Growths called gastric adenomas can also make infection more likely.
A patient’s risk increases if a parent or sibling has a history of peptic ulcers or stomach cancer.
Daily Habits
Sharing food or utensils
Because H. pylori can spread through saliva, sharing food, spoons, or forks with an infected person can pass the bacteria along.
SYMPTOMS
Most patients infected with H. pylori never experience symptoms. Those who do usually note stomach lining irritation or a peptic ulcer.
Common symptoms in adults include:
Stomach discomfort
A dull, aching, or burning pain in the upper stomach region
Pain that often worsens on an empty stomach
Digestive issues
Upset stomach
Bloating
Indigestion
Frequent burping
Changes in appetite or weight
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Most children with H. pylori do not experience any symptoms, with only about 5 to 10 percent exhibiting noticeable signs of infection. That’s why it’s important to work closely with a family doctor or pediatrician.
COMPLICATIONS
Left untreated, H. pylori infections may cause the following:
Peptic ulcers: H. pylori is the main cause of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Chronic stomach inflammation: Long-term infection can cause gastritis, a GI condition that results in stomach lining irritation and swelling.
Stomach cancer:H. pylori is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer.
Rare stomach lymphoma: The infection can sometimes lead to gastric MALT lymphoma, a rare type of stomach cancer that targets the immune tissue.
Other possible issues: While uncommon, H. pylori may occasionally cause low blood platelets, a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Consult your gastroenterologist right away if your stomach pain persists or won’t go away. Here at Charleston GI, we recommend seeking treatment if you are experiencing the following:
Severe or sudden stomach pain
Bloody or black, sticky stools
Blood in your vomit or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
Our Charleston GI physicians can conduct a wide range of diagnostic tests, from endoscopies to CT scans, to evaluate your concerns. Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy – with no referral needed. Our team is ready to help you find the relief you need, so come see us today!
TREATMENT
Treatment may include the following:
Antibiotics: Taking two or more antibiotics together has been shown to kill the bacteria and prevent resistance.
Stomach protection medicines: H-2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and stomach-lining protectors may be recommended.
Your gastroenterologist will then schedule follow-up testing at least four weeks after treatment. If H. pylori infection persists, a different antibiotic combination may be prescribed. Be sure to take all medication as directed by your Charleston GI doctor.
PREVENTION
There are several ways to decrease your risk of H. pylori infection, including the following:
Only drink clean water.
Make sure to use clean water during food preparation.
Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom.
Yes, H. pylori infection can be dangerous if left untreated. In fact, infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers and can increase the risk of stomach and other digestive cancers. Long-term infection can also lead to stomach inflammation called gastritis. In some instances, serious complications may require emergency medical care.
If H. pylori is left untreated for years, what happens?
If H. pylori infection goes untreated for years, patients may experience stomach lining damage that results in peptic ulcers and chronic inflammation. Over time, this damage may boost the likelihood of developing stomach cancer, or a rare type of lymphoma called gastric MALT lymphoma. Early treatment can help prevent complications, so be sure to consult your gastroenterologist with any concerns.
Is H. pylori contagious?
Yes. H. pylori spreads easily from one person to another. Because bacteria is found in a patient's saliva, stool, and dental plaque, transmission may occur by touching contaminated surfaces, failing to properly wash hands, etc.
What does H. pylori poop look like?
Most people experiencing mild symptoms often have stool that appears normal. But if yours is dark, black, or tarry, it may indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, possibly from an ulcer. Red blood in stool points to bleeding in the lower digestive system. Contact your trusted gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment.
What are common complications of H. pylori infections?
H. pylori can lead to serious complications, like these:
Peptic ulcers: Once the bacteria damages the stomach or small intestine lining, acid can cause painful sores. Studies show that about 10 to 15 percent of H. pylori patients develop ulcers.
Gastritis: Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining can cause irritation and swelling.
Stomach cancer: Long-term H. pylori infection increases the risk of certain stomach cancers in rare cases. Reducing salt and pickled foods may help decrease this risk.
Is there a way to prevent H. pylori?
Reduce the risk of infection by not sharing food, drinks, or utensils. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating or after using the bathroom.
What can I expect if I have H. pylori?
H. pylori bacteria survive stomach acid by producing neutralizing enzymes. This allows the bacteria to take hold of the stomach lining, potentially causing the following conditions:
Peptic ulcers: Painful sores in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine
Gastritis: Ongoing stomach lining inflammation
Increased risk of stomach cancer: Higher risk than in those without infection
How will I know if the H. pylori infection has healed?
After treatment, your gastroenterologist will follow up with a breath or stool test. They typically wait at least two weeks after proton pump inhibitor medication or four weeks after antibiotics to ensure the infection has cleared.
Are there any common side effects to treatment?
Since treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics, side effects may include a metallic taste, nausea, or diarrhea. Taking probiotics throughout treatment can help maintain gut health and reduce side effects.
Who is at risk for H. pylori infection?
Note the following risk factors for H. pylori infection:
Age: Over half of infected people in the U.S. are older than 50.
Race or ethnicity: About half of African Americans and many immigrants from developing countries carry the bacteria.
Childhood infection: Most people are first infected with H. pylori as children.
SCHEDULE YOUR GI APPOINTMENT TODAY, NO REFERRAL NEEDED
Need relief from unpleasant GI symptoms? Contact our team of experienced gastroenterologists today to learn more about treatment in Charleston, SC! Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of a range of GI conditions, we remain committed to a higher standard of caring.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace evaluation or care from a licensed healthcare provider. Screening recommendations and results vary by individual. Viewing this page does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
Need relief from unpleasant GI symptoms? Contact our team of experienced gastroenterologists today to learn more about treatment in Charleston, SC! Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of a range of GI conditions, we remain committed to a higher standard of caring.
