MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
H. pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common stomach bacterium spread through contaminated food and water. Many people have no symptoms, but it can cause gastritis and ulcers.
Causes & risk factors
- Spread through contaminated food and water
- Close contact within families
- Poor sanitation and crowded living conditions
- More common in developing regions, including parts of India
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms at all
- Burning upper tummy pain
- Bloating and fullness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
Tests & diagnosis
- Urea breath test
- Stool antigen test
- Endoscopy with biopsy
- CBC (if anaemia is suspected)
Treatment & management
- A doctor-prescribed course combining two antibiotics with an acid-reducing medicine
- Complete the full course to clear the infection and prevent resistance
- A follow-up test to confirm it has cleared
- Avoid smoking and unnecessary NSAID painkillers
When to see a doctor urgently
- Persistent upper tummy pain or indigestion
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
Frequently asked questions
Is H. pylori dangerous?
Most people have no problems, but it can cause gastritis and ulcers and, rarely over many years, raise stomach-cancer risk. That is why it is treated when it causes symptoms.
Can H. pylori come back after treatment?
Reinfection is uncommon in areas with good sanitation. A confirmation test after treatment checks it has cleared; symptoms returning should be reviewed.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.