HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori (usually shortened to H. pylori) is a germ (or bacterium) that can infect your stomach lining.
H. pylori infection can damage the protective lining of your stomach and cause inflammation. This increases your chances of developing heartburn and peptic ulcers. In a very small number of people, H. pylori can cause stomach cancer.
In New Zealand, the rate of H. pylori infection is lower than in other parts of the world.
Symptoms of H. pylori
Many people with H. pylori have no obvious symptoms. But symptoms you may experience include:
- upper stomach pain
- heartburn
- bloating
- feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
- poor appetite
- feeling full after a small meal.
Diagnosing H. pylori
The first test for H. pylori is a faecal antigen test, which involves giving a poo sample to be tested in the lab.
If you need a gastroscopy, a sample can be taken from your stomach or small intestine to be tested.
It is important that you do not take any antibiotics for at least 4 weeks or medicines for indigestion like omeprazole or pantoprazole for at least 2 weeks before having any of these tests. These medicines can mean the test does not show H. pylori even though it is present.
Treating H. pylori
Most people who have an H. pylori infection need to take 3 medicines for 1 to 2 weeks. The medicines are 2 antibiotics and a medicine that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, such as omeprazole, pantoprazole or lansoprazole.
After treatment, most people no longer carry the infection. You will not need further testing unless your symptoms persist or come back.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIPEP-245983
