Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Bacteria

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacterium that is a common cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. But most people infected with H. pylori do not develop ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer.

What problems can Helicobacter pylori cause?

H. pylori can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach. These bacteria cause inflammation and cause the stomach and the lining of the intestines to be more easily damaged by stomach acid. But most people infected with H. pylori don't get ulcers.

Other things may also increase the risk of ulcers forming. These things may include:

• The use of certain medicines. Examples are aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Other health problems in the digestive system .

How is the infection treated?

You can take antibiotics that get rid of H. pylori bacteria.

People who have a peptic ulcer and are infected with H. pylori need treatment to cure the infection. This will lower their risk of getting another peptic ulcer. Treatment with a combination of medicines works very well to cure an H. pylori infection.

People who take medicine to treat the H. pylori infection need a follow-up test to make sure that the infection is cured.

Sometimes H. pylori bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics. This can keep the medicine from killing the bacteria. So other medicines may need to be used.