Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Many individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) typically do not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. However, when this bacterium damages the protective lining of the stomach, it can lead to peptic ulcers, which may result in the following symptoms for some affected individuals:
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with H. pylori infection. You may experience a burning sensation in the upper area of your abdomen, which can worsen at night or when your stomach is empty. This pain may also arise a few hours after eating.
The discomfort can persist for several minutes or even hours at times, and it may recur over the course of days or weeks. Notably, if you attempt to manage this pain with antacids, you might find that relief is temporary, as the pain often returns once the medication’s effect diminishes.
Bloating
You may also experience bloating due to gas accumulation in the stomach, leading to frequent burping, especially after meals.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are other symptoms that might occur, along with persistent indigestion that doesn’t seem to improve with medication, particularly if a peptic ulcer is present.
Loss of Appetite
Having a peptic ulcer due to H. pylori may result in feelings of fullness after consuming only a small amount of food. You might also experience discomfort or unease when trying to eat more.
Weight loss may occur unintentionally, often as a result of the accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can reduce your food intake.
Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
It is advisable to consult a physician if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain that disrupts your sleep.
- Blood in vomit, or vomit resembling coffee grounds.
- Blood in stool, or black-colored stool.
- Pale complexion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Unexplained, excessive fatigue.
How to Confirm an H. pylori Infection
To determine if you are indeed infected with H. pylori, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms during your visit and may recommend several tests, including:
- Blood Test
This test helps detect antibodies to H. pylori, although it may yield positive results even if you were infected in the past.
- Breath Test
In this test, you will be asked to consume a urea solution and then breathe into a bag. The air sample will be analyzed in a lab afterward.
- Stool Test
This test involves examining a sample of your stool in the lab for specific proteins associated with H. pylori.
Conclusion
Most individuals with an H. pylori infection do not experience symptoms. However, if the bacterium leads to peptic ulcers, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, burning stomach pain, indigestion, frequent burping, reduced appetite, and unintended weight loss may manifest. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate testing to confirm the presence of H. pylori infection.