Stomach problems can be hard to figure out. You may feel bloated, have stomach discomfort, feel nauseous, or notice changes like more burping or feeling full earlier during meals. These symptoms can come from many different causes. This can make it tough to know what’s really going on and how to address it.
If you’ve been talking with your healthcare provider about stomach discomfort or concerns like ulcers, but still don’t have clear answers, one possible cause they may discuss is an H. pylori infection.
What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common type of bacteria that infects the stomach. In fact, it affects as many as one in three people in the U.S. and is a common cause of peptic (stomach) ulcers.
H. pylori spreads from person to person. It often spreads:
- Through close contact with family members
- From contaminated food or water
- During childhood
Many people get H. pylori when they’re young. But not everyone who has it gets sick or notices symptoms.
What are the symptoms of H. pylori?
Some people with H. pylori have symptoms, while others feel nothing at all.
Common symptoms may include:
- Stomach discomfort, often dull or burning
- Bloating
- Burping or belching
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Even without symptoms, healthcare providers sometimes suggest testing for people at increased risk for H. pylori.
Is H. pylori serious?
For many people, H. pylori does not cause major problems. But without treatment, it can lead to more serious health issues over time.
H. pylori can:
- Cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
- Lead to stomach ulcers, which can be painful
- Increase the risk of stomach cancer in some cases
The good news is that treating an H. pylori infection can reduce the risk of these complications.
If you’re worried about your symptoms or test results, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help explain what the results mean and provide you with best next steps.
How do you test for H. pylori?
There are several ways to test for H. pylori. One common option is a urea breath test. This is a simple, noninvasive test done in person.
Other options include testing a stool or blood sample or taking a biopsy of the stomach lining during a procedure. To help ensure accurate results, certain medications, such as antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs, may need to be stopped for a few weeks before testing.
Your healthcare provider can help you decide which test makes the most sense for your situation and guide you on how to prepare.
How the H. pylori breath test works?
During the test, you will:
- Provide a breath sample
- Drink a special solution that contains urea
- Provide a second breath sample
The test measures carbon dioxide in your breath to see if H. pylori is present. It does not require any needles or invasive procedures, which makes it a comfortable option for many people.
What happens if your H. pylori test is positive?
A positive test result means H. pylori is likely present in your stomach.
The good news is that effective treatments are available. Treatment typically involves a combination of prescription oral antibiotics and acid-reducing medication to help clear the infection.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment approach for your specific situation and guide you on next steps. It’s important to follow their treatment advice closely.
Can diet help?
Though diet changes cannot treat or cure H. pylori, they may help reduce symptoms.
You may want to limit foods that can irritate your stomach, such as:
- Spicy foods
- Fatty foods
- Citrus fruits and tomato-based foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Instead, focus on more stomach-friendly foods, such as:
- Berries, apples, cantaloupe, and other fruits low in acid and high in vitamin C
- Vegetables like leafy greens
- Fermented foods like yogurt
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
Everyone is different, so it’s best to talk with your provider or a dietitian for advice that fits your needs.
When should you consider testing?
Testing for H. pylori is not meant for everyone. It is usually recommended when symptoms, medical history, or other risk factors suggest the infection may be present or affecting your health.
If you’re dealing with ongoing stomach discomfort or possible ulcer symptoms, talk with your provider about whether testing makes sense for you.
A test like the Labcorp OnDemand H. pylori Urea Breath Test can provide useful information when used as part of a broader care plan. Your provider can help you prepare for testing, understand your results, and guide next steps based on your results.
What about re-testing after treatment?
If you test positive and complete treatment, your healthcare provider will often recommend a follow-up test, sometimes called a “test of cure.” This helps confirm that the infection is gone.
Re-testing is important because:
- Treatment does not always work the first time
- The infection may still be present and need a different approach
- Ongoing infection can lead to more serious health problems over time
To get the most accurate results, follow-up testing is usually done at least four weeks after finishing treatment. Testing too soon can reduce the accuracy of the results.
If you’re unsure about timing, or if your symptoms continue, your healthcare provider can help you decide when to re-test and what steps to take next.
Simple ways to help prevent H. pylori
While not all cases can be prevented, these habits may help reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating
- Practice safe food handling
- Drink clean, safe water
The bottom line
H. pylori is a common stomach infection that can be hard to spot, especially since many people don’t have symptoms. If you’ve been searching for answers about ongoing stomach issues, this is one possible cause your provider may explore.
Testing can be a helpful step when used at the right time. Most importantly, working with a healthcare professional will help you get the right diagnosis, treatment, and support for your digestive health.
