Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
A gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats digestive system problems) usually treats Helicobacter pylori infection. A primary care doctor can order tests and start care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Helicobacter pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori, also called H. pylori, is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. It is very common. It affects about two thirds of the world's population. H. pylori infection is the most common cause of peptic ulcers, which are sores on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. However, the infection does not cause problems for most people.
Symptoms
Most people with H. pylori have no symptoms. About 10% to 15% of infected people develop peptic ulcer disease. Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms happen, they can include:
- An aching or burning pain in the abdomen (belly), which may be worse on an empty stomach.
- Feeling full or bloated.
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a meal.
- Mild nausea that may go away with vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss without trying.
Some ulcers can cause serious bleeding. The warning signs are listed under when to see a doctor.
Causes and who gets it
H. pylori bacteria are most likely passed from person to person. This tends to happen during childhood. Without treatment, the infection stays for life. It is not clear how the bacteria spread. They may spread through mouth-to-mouth contact, a stomach or bowel illness (especially with vomiting), contact with stool, or contaminated food and water.
The bacteria enter the mucus layer of the stomach and attach to the stomach lining. They cause the stomach to make too much acid. This can damage the lining and lead to ulcers in some people. The infection can also cause gastritis (long-term swelling of the stomach lining). Sometimes it leads to stomach cancer or a rare type of stomach lymphoma, a cancer of immune tissue.
Medicines called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can also cause ulcers. Other problems from long-term infection include severe blood loss, a hole in the stomach or intestine, scarring that makes it harder for the stomach to empty, and iron deficiency anemia.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider may test you for H. pylori if you have peptic ulcers, a history of ulcers, or stomach pain lasting more than a month. Tests include:
- A urea breath test. You swallow a special substance that has urea. If H. pylori is present, the bacteria turn the urea into carbon dioxide, which is found in your breath after 10 minutes.
- A stool test, which looks for H. pylori in your stool.
- A biopsy. A tissue sample from the stomach lining is taken during an endoscopy (a procedure that looks inside the stomach) and checked for the bacteria.
A blood test for antibodies is not typically used. It cannot tell a past infection from an active one.
Treatment
If you have a peptic ulcer and an H. pylori infection, treatment is recommended. The standard treatment is a mix of medicines taken for 10 to 14 days. These include antibiotics to kill the bacteria and proton pump inhibitors to lower stomach acid. Bismuth, the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, may be added. Take all of your medicines as you were told.
If you take your medicines, there is a good chance the infection will be cured. You will need a test after treatment to make sure the infection is gone. Sometimes H. pylori is hard to cure. Repeated courses of different treatments may be needed.
There is no vaccine for H. pylori. Washing your hands after using the bathroom and before eating may help. So may eating properly prepared food and drinking water from a clean, safe source.
When to see a doctor
Talk with your provider if you have stomach pain that lasts more than a month. Severe symptoms that begin suddenly can mean a blockage in the intestine, a hole in the stomach or intestine, or heavy bleeding. These are emergencies. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have:
- Tarry, black, or bloody stools.
- Severe vomiting, including vomit with blood or the look of coffee grounds.
- Severe belly pain, with or without vomiting or blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review your symptoms and medicines, order a breath or stool test, and follow up to confirm the infection is gone. They can also refer you to a gastroenterologist when needed.
Common questions
Does H. pylori always cause symptoms?
No. The infection does not cause problems for most people. About 10% to 15% of infected people develop peptic ulcer disease.
Can H. pylori be cured?
Yes, it can often be cured. If you take all your medicines, there is a good chance the infection will clear. Sometimes it is hard to cure, and repeated courses of different treatments may be needed.
Is H. pylori contagious?
Most likely yes, it passes from person to person, but it is not clear exactly how. It may spread through mouth-to-mouth contact, contact with stool, or contaminated food and water.
Can H. pylori cause stomach cancer?
Sometimes it can. H. pylori can sometimes lead to stomach cancer or a rare type of stomach lymphoma.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Helicobacter pylori infection
- MedlinePlus - Helicobacter pylori Infections
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Peptic Ulcers (Stomach or Duodenal Ulcers)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
