Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori)

Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacterium that causes inflammation of the stomach, chronic gastritis, and ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. People with H. pylori infections may be more likely to develop cancer in the stomach, including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The bacteria weakens the protective coating of the stomach and first part of the small intestine, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive lining.

If someone is a carrier of H. pylori, they may have no symptoms. However, if a patient has an ulcer or gastritis, they may experience abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, mild nausea, belching and regurgitation or feel very hungry one to three hours after eating.

H. pylori is treatable with antibiotics, proton pump inhibiters and histamine H2 blockers. Once the bacteria are completely gone from the body, the chance of its return is low.