You may have a dull pain in your stomach that does not go away. Pain will usually come two to three hours after eating. The pain will come and go for several weeks, and may sometimes happen in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty. The pain may go away temporarily when you take medications like antacids and other over-the-counter pain medications.
You may vomit when you experience nausea. With an H. Pylori infection, your vomit may include blood. You may also notice a substance that resembles coffee grounds. Nausea can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as motion sickness, the flu, eating or drinking something that did not sit well with you, or morning sickness during pregnancy. If your nausea is persistent, and you do not have any obvious cause, it may be related to an H. Pylori infection.
If you’re having a loss of appetite, which is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, you may want to talk to a doctor. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of many diseases, including some cancers. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source See your doctor to rule out any serious conditions if you’re experiencing a loss of appetite.
It’s not uncommon for the abdomen to be bloated slightly during an H. Pylori infection. You may also notice your stools have become increasingly black and tarry. Sometimes, people with an H. Pylori infection will experience frequent bouts of the hiccups.
If you live in crowded conditions, such as a small home with many people, this increases your risk of infection. If you don’t have regular access to clean water, you may also have an increased risk of infection. If you live in a developing country, or have recently visited one, this also increases your risk for infection. If you’re living with someone who you know has H. Pylori, this means you’re more likely to have the infection yourself.
Difficulty swallowing Severe abdominal pain Bloody stools Bloody vomit
You will need to prepare for a breath test for about two weeks. Your doctor will advise you to stop taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication you’re using to treat H. Pylori. You will swallow the urea in the doctor’s office. After 10 minutes, you’ll be asked to exhale and the doctor will test your breath for carbon dioxide.
Your doctor may order a stool test after a positive breath test and subsequent treatment. Listen to your doctor’s instructions carefully in regards on how to collect and store your stools. Collection methods vary by hospital. There is also a rapid stool antigen test for H. Pylori. Talk with your doctor about this option — it may not be available everywhere.
Your doctor may order a blood test for a variety of reasons. She may want to confirm an infection. If your doctor orders a blood test, trust that your doctor knows what’s best for you. It’s a simple procedure that should not take long. Other methods that are not as commonly utilized include PCR chain reaction, salivary assays, urinary assays, and C13-urea blood test.
During an endoscopy, a small tube will be inserted into your mouth and then fed into your stomach. In addition to removing a tissue sample, your doctor will check for inflammation. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source While the most accurate means to diagnose H. Pylori, your doctor will not call for this procedure unless an endoscopy is necessary for other reasons. Your doctor may want to conduct an endoscopy if you have a peptic ulcer or are at risk for stomach cancer.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a range of drugs that stop acid production in the stomach. Your doctor may prescribe these drugs if excessive stomach acid is causing you pain. Histamine (H-2) blockers can also block acid production by stopping the production of a substance called histamine. Histamine can trigger acid production in the stomach. Bismuth subsalicylate, sold commercially as Pepto-Bismol, can coat stomach ulcers and can reduce pain. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully in regards to which drugs he recommends. If you are on any existing medication, make sure to ask whether your current meds will interact with medication used to treat H. Pylori.
