Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. Pylori, is a bacteria that can live in your stomach lining and the first part of your intestine. Nearly half the world’s population has the H. pylori bacteria, though it doesn’t cause problems for most people.
For some people, however, it can make them produce excess stomach acid, which can cause inflammation or stomach ulcers and ulcers in the small intestine (duodenum ulcer), leading to a range of symptoms.
While 90% of people won't have symptoms from the bacteria, some people can be affected. For these people, common symptoms include:
The exact causes of H. Pylori are unknown, but it is thought that the infection is usually caught during childhood, typically from parents or siblings.
There are several tests that a GP may suggest to diagnose the presence of H. Pylori. These tests include:
The treatment for H. pylori infections usually involves two courses of antibiotics, which must be taken twice a day for two weeks. The side effects of these antibiotics are typically mild, but may result in:
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