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Helicobacter Pylori

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: January 2003
Last Revised: April 2003

If an H. pylori infection is present for a long time, it can lead to chromic inflammation of the stomach's inner layer, which can lead to chronic atrophic gastritis, a condition that is considered precancerous.

How do you know if you have H. pylori? About 20% of people under 40 years of age, and half of those over 60 are infected with H. pylori. Most infected people, however, do not develop ulcers or gastritis. Some people experience only very mild symptoms, or none at all. Symptoms of ulcers are:

• Dull, gnawing ache
• Comes and goes for several days or weeks
• Occurs 2-3 hours after a meal
• Occurs in the middle of the night (when stomach is empty)
• Is relieved by food
• Is relieved by antacid medications

If you have any of the above symptoms that persist over 7-10 days, contact your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with an H. pylori infection, follow your doctor's instructions and finish all medications. The medication schedule may be complicated and the side effects can be bothersome. But, it could prevent stomach cancer.