Signs and Symptoms of an H. Pylori Infection
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Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD
An H. pylori infection is caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a common bacteria that frequently infects the stomach during childhood. On its own, an H. pylori infection doesn’t usually cause symptoms; many children and adults have no idea they have it, and the infections are fairly common, affecting about 30-40% of the United States population.
However, experts now know this bacteria—and the chronic inflammation it causes—to be the primary reason peptic ulcers develop. Peptic ulcers, which form in the stomach or the duodenum (the area that connects the stomach and small intestine), can cause symptoms like burning stomach pain, bloating, vomiting and nausea, and weight loss. These symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time, or they may come and go intermittently.
Many people with H. pylori infections won’t have any complications. Experts don’t know why others develop peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, or even stomach cancer as a result of this chronic inflammation. It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you have any of the common peptic ulcer symptoms so you can be tested for H. pylori and treat the infection.
H. pylori infections don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to peptic ulcers; if you have an ulcer, these are some of the symptoms you might experience.
Burning Stomach Pain
Your stomach has a protective lining called the mucosa that can be eroded when you have an H. pylori infection, leaving it vulnerable to the formation of a peptic ulcer. One of the most common symptoms of ulcers is dull or burning stomach pain in the upper part of your abdomen; this may be most noticeable when your stomach is empty, though some people experience more discomfort when eating or having just eaten.
Related: Why You May Have Abdominal Pain
Upset Stomach
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms for people with gastric ulcers, which are located in the lining of the stomach. Duodenal ulcers are located in the duodenum.
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) may worsen this pain and the ulcers themselves. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider if you are taking NSAIDs and are experiencing prolonged abdominal pain or discomfort.
Bloating
You may be more prone to air building up in your stomach when you have an ulcer, which can cause a bloated appearance or an increase in burping. Bloating may be more pronounced after eating and can cause a loss of appetite.
Related: 5 Signs Your Bloating Could Be Something Serious
Loss of Appetite
If you feel extremely full after eating a small meal or can’t eat more than a little food at one time without feeling uncomfortable, you may have a peptic ulcer. Feeling full soon after starting to eat is also known as early satiety.
Weight Loss
Because you may begin eating less due to other symptoms, like nausea, stomach pain after eating, or increased fullness, you could lose weight when you have a peptic ulcer. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing persistent vomiting that is contributing to weight loss.
Symptoms in Children
H. pylori infections are common in childhood, but typically don’t cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are the same for kids as for adults: stomach pain, bloating, burping, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of a peptic ulcer; there are simple blood, breath, and stool tests that can be done to see if you have the H. pylori bacteria in your stomach. If you do, you will probably be treated with at least two antibiotics and acid-blocking medications like proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec and Nexium) or Pepto-Bismol.
Sometimes, peptic ulcers can cause complications like gastric bleeding, perforation, or obstruction. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical care:
Black, bloody, or tarry stool
Vomit that contains blood or what looks like coffee grounds
Intense, unrelenting stomach pain
Dizziness
More rarely, a prolonged H. pylori infection can increase your risk for certain types of stomach cancers and esophageal cancer. The types of stomach cancers associated with H. pylori are rare, but the bacteria appears to be the leading cause of these cancers. If you have any symptoms of stomach or esophageal cancer—such as poor appetite, persistent belly pain, vomiting, bloody stool, chronic cough, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing—make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
A Quick Review
Infection with the H. pylori bacteria is relatively common and, in many people, does not cause any symptoms, side effects, or complications. However, some people with an H. pylori infection may develop peptic ulcers or other gastrointestinal diseases.
If you have any symptoms of a peptic ulcer, like bloating, nausea and vomiting, burning abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, see a healthcare provider; they can test you for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria and, if positive, treat the infection with antibiotics and other medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are H. pylori bacteria contagious?
Yes. The H. pylori bacteria can be spread from person to person through stool, vomit, or sometimes saliva, as well as through drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food.
How long can H. pylori live in the gut?
If untreated, H. pylori can live in your stomach indefinitely.
How long does it take for H. pylori to become cancerous?
Most people with H. pylori infections won’t ever develop stomach cancer as a result, but a small number of people will have an increased risk of certain types of cancer. It’s difficult to know how long it takes for this to happen since most people don’t know when they first became infected with H. pylori, though experts generally consider the risks to increase after “long-term” infection.
In a 2020 study, gastric cancer developed in a small number of first-degree relatives with a family history of gastric cancer after about nine years.
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