Overview

A Helicobacter pylori infection is a common stomach infection. It’s caused by a germ called Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria also known as H. pylori.

H. pylori infections can cause stomach pain, bloating, gas and other symptoms. But most people who become infected don’t have symptoms. Sometimes, H. pylori infections lead to sores called peptic ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Much less often, these infections can lead to stomach cancer.

More than half the people in the world may have an H. pylori infection at some point in their lives. These infections often happen during childhood, especially in developing countries. H. pylori germs seem to spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, including vomit, stool or saliva. This includes contact that happens through poor hand hygiene. The germs also can spread through tainted food and water.

Your healthcare professional likely will test you for an H. pylori infection if you get symptoms of a peptic ulcer. Treatment for the infection includes medicines called antibiotics to clear up the bacteria.

Help prevent an H. pylori infection by not sharing food or utensils.

Causes

The most common cause of H. pylori infection is direct person-to-person transmission. H. pylori causes include:

• Close contact. This includes sharing utensils or having contact with vomit or poop from an infected person.
• Contaminated food or water. H. pylori can survive in unsanitary conditions. They might be present on food or in water that hasn’t been properly cleaned or treated.

H. pylori can spread from person to person. H. pylori are found in saliva, poop and plaque on teeth. Infection can spread by transferring the bacteria from the hands of those who haven’t thoroughly washed them after pooping.

 Symptoms

Most children with H. pylori infection don’t have symptoms. Only about 5% to 10% do. If they do, symptoms and signs arise from peptic ulcers or gastritis.

• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting (bloody vomit)
• Indigestion
• Burping
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food (early satiety)

Diagnosis

If your healthcare provider suspects H. pylori bacteria may be causing a stomach ulcer, they may order one or more of the following H. pylori tests:

• Breath test
• Blood test
• Stool (poop) test
• Upper endoscopy

Treatment

Treatment for H. pylori infections usually involve taking at least two different antibiotics at once. This helps prevent the germs from resisting the effects of one particular antibiotic.

Treatment also may include medicine to help your stomach heal, such as: