H. Pylori: The Bacteria Causing Your Stomach Ulcers

For decades, people believed that stomach ulcers were caused by stress, spicy food, or worrying too much. We now know that the vast majority of stomach and duodenal ulcers are caused by a specific, highly resilient bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

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The Bacteria Built for Acid

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Your stomach is an incredibly hostile environment, filled with powerful acid designed to digest food and kill pathogens. But H. pylori has a superpower: it secretes an enzyme that neutralizes the acid around it, allowing it to burrow deep into the protective mucous lining of your stomach.

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Once settled, it causes chronic inflammation (gastritis). Over time, this damages the lining, allowing stomach acid to burn through, creating a painful ulcer. Long-term, untreated H. pylori infections significantly increase the risk of stomach cancer.

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When Should You Suspect H. Pylori?

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• An aching or burning pain in your abdomen that is worse when your stomach is empty
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• Frequent nausea or bloating
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• Frequent burping
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• Unexplained weight loss
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Testing is Simple

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You don't necessarily need an endoscopy right away. H. pylori can be detected through a simple blood test (checking for antibodies), a stool antigen test, or a urea breath test. If you are constantly popping antacids to deal with 'acidity,' get tested. A short course of targeted antibiotics can eradicate the bacteria and cure the ulcer permanently.