What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacterium (germ) responsible for most stomach and duodenal ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis).
Why is the H. pylori test performed?
Testing is most often done to diagnose H pylori infection:
- If you currently have a stomach or duodenal ulcer
- If you had a stomach or duodenal ulcer in the past and were never tested for H pylori
- After treatment for H pylori infection, to make sure there are no more bacteria
- If you need to take long-term ibuprofen or other NSAID medicines
The H pylori test may also be recommended for a condition called dyspepsia. This is indigestion. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness or of heat, burning, or pain in the area between the navel and the lower part of the breastbone during or after eating. Testing for H pylori without endoscopy is most often done only when the indigestion is new, the person is younger than 55, and there are no other symptoms.
Your health care provider can tell you more.
