Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori)
Did you know?
H. pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of the world's population is infected.
What is H. pylori infection?
H. pylori infection occurs when a bacteria called "H. pylori" infects the stomach. For most people, H. pylori infection does not cause 
any sickness or symptoms. However, in some people, H. pylori infection can lead to problems including ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, and stomach cancer. It is unclear why H. pylori causes symptoms in some people but not others. Doctors are not exactly sure how H. pylori is spread from person to person. However, it is believed that H. pylori is most commonly spread through the oral-oral route or fecal-oral route.
What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?
Most people with H. pylori infection have no symptoms. But, for some people, H. pylori infection may cause symptoms such as:
-Pain in the belly or abdomen
-Decreased appetite
-Nausea or vomiting
-Bloating
How do I know if I have H. pylori infection? There are several tests that can show H. pylori infection including blood test, stool test, breath test, and biopsy test. Your doctor can determine whether you need to be tested.
How is H. pylori infection treated? H. pylori infection is treated with several different medications including antibiotics and medications that decrease acid in your stomach. Most of the time, H. pylori infection is treated successfully with these medications. But sometimes, H. pylori infection may need to be treated again.
For more information on H. pylori infection, please contact Dr. Anubha Sinha at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists with locations in Flemington and Hillsborough, NJ. Call (908) 788-8200 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sinha at either location today!
*The above facts are based on published data from UpToDate and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)