Document Actions
Is Your Ulcer Caused by H. Pylori Infection?
For many years it was thought that ulcers were caused by stress or spicy foods. In fact, it is now known that about 70-90% of peptic ulcers are caused by infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
 | H. pylori can live in the highly acidic areas of the stomach and duodenum (small intestine – upper). They cause inflammation which weakens the protective layer of the stomach and duodenum, causing a painful and hard to heal sore which is known as a peptic ulcer. |
THIS IS GREAT NEWS!
It may not sound that way, but the great news is that if you or someone you know is suffering with an ulcer which is due to infection with H. pylori, there’s a very good chance that you can be cured for good with antibiotic treatment.
WHO IS AT RISK?
In Canada, about 20-30% of adults have H. pylori infection in their stomach, but only 5-15% of those infected will actually get an ulcer. At the moment it is not known where the H. pylori infection comes from.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE H. PYLORI INFECTION?
Signs and symptoms are different from person to person but can include:
- Indigestion which can include pain, discomfort or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen
- Heartburn
- Vomiting (may also have blood)
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Black, tarry stools (from bleeding of ulcers)
FIND OUT FOR SURE
If you think you might have a peptic ulcer visit your health care provider. Be specific and ask to be checked for H. pylori infection. Some tests they might request are:
Breath (Urea breath test) – which involves drinking a urea solution and breathing into a tube. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the urea and carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced and this is exhaled in the breath. The amount of CO2 found in the breath helps tell if the infection is present.
Blood – a finger prick may be taken at the doctor’s office and the blood sample is taken to a lab to test for antibodies. If the antibodies are high then there is a good chance you have or had an H. pylori infection. This test however is less certain than the breath test.
HOW IS H. PYLORI INFECTION TREATED?
H. pylori infection is usually treated with 3 types of medications that get rid of the bacteria and reduce the stomach acid which helps to protect the stomach lining. The drugs used usually include two types of antibiotics and a class of acid-suppressing drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Detection and treatment of H. pylori infection is important if you have an ulcer. Treatment can cure the ulcer and prevent it from coming back. So, if you think you have an ulcer, take charge of your health and get checked out. The problem may be an easily treatable H. pylori infection.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation website at www.cdhf.ca
KEY REFERENCES:
Bruce, M. G. & Maaroos, H.I. (2008) Epidemiology of helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter, 13, 1-6.
Hunt, R., Fallone, C., Van Zanten, S. V., et al. (2004). Canadian helicobacter study group consensus conference: Update on the management of helicobacter pylori – an evidence-based evaluation of six topics relevant to clinical outcomes in patients evaluated for H pylori infection. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, 18(9), 547-554.
Rodgers C, Veldhuyzen van Zanten S. (2007) A Meta-Analysis of the success rate of Helicobacter pylori therapy in Canada. Can J Gastroenterol, 21 (5):(295-300).
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (2009). H. pylori: Peptic ulcer disease. Retrieved October 22, 2009 from http://www.cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/peptic-ulcer.shtml
