Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common cause of peptic ulcers, or sores in the lining of the stomach and small intestines. The bacteria lives in the digestive tract of about 20 percent of people under age 40 and 50 percent of those over age 60 but does not cause ulcers in everyone.
Abdominal Symptoms
Abdominal discomfort including a dull ache that comes and goes over a period of several days or weeks is the most common symptom. This pain may occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal and be relieved by antacids or eating. Symptoms can be felt anywhere from your navel to your sternum.
Other Symptoms
Other less-common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, bloating and belching.
Emergency Symptoms
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention are sudden sharp pain in the stomach, bloody or tar-black stools and vomit that contains blood or has a consistency of coffee grounds.
Complications
The emergency symptoms may be a sign of perforation through the stomach or intestinal wall, a burst blood vessel or food obstruction due to scar tissue. Infection can also occur.
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria. Acid blockers and antacids both treat the symptoms and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Tags: lining stomach
