What is Helicobacter Pylori?

-Helicobacter Pylori is a bacteria that's usually found in the stomach. Frequency is directly linked to race, as certain ethnicities are statistically more likely to harbor the bacteria. Whites have a very low prevalence rate of 20% compared to Hispanic groups who have a prevalence rate of 60%. 

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How Does H. Pylori Present?

-Most patients who are infected with H. Pylori never manifest symptoms, those that do may complain of stomach pain, nausea, bloating, burping, bad breath, reflux and abdominal distention. 

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-Patients who are carriers of H. Pylori have a 15% lifetime risk of developing stomach and duodenal ulcers and approximately 1% risk of developing cancer. 

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How is H. Pylori Diagnosed & Treated?

-Helicobacter pylori can be diagnosed via a stool test, a breath test or via biopsy with an endoscopy. When H. Pylori is found with stomach cancer, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, discomfort and/or pain it should be treated. You will need to complete a 14 day combination of two antibiotics and a pill to reduce the acid in your stomach helping the antibiotics work more effectively and reduce the pain.