A positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) test does not mean you are in serious condition. It means you have a bacterial infection in your stomach that should be treated.
H. pylori can cause:
- Stomach pain or burning
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Feeling Tired
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers
If it is left untreated for many years, it can increase the risk of:
- Bleeding ulcers
- Chronic stomach inflammation
- A higher risk of stomach cancer (this is uncommon and usually develops over many years in only some people)
The good news is that H. pylori is usually curable. Doctors typically prescribe:
- Two antibiotics to kill the bacteria (Moxil, Cleritek).( Don't use these without a doctor's prescription)
- 1 Satche of Risek
- A medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid and help the stomach heal
It's important to:
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed.
- Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
- Have a follow-up test (often a breath test or stool test) several weeks after treatment to confirm the infection is gone.
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe or worsening stomach pain
- Fainting or dizziness with stomach bleeding
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