What Is H. pylori?
A bacterium that infects the stomach lining, causing gastritis, ulcers, and increasing cancer risk.
Why Do I Need Testing/Treatment?
You may be tested if you have:
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Chronic dyspepsia
- Family history of gastric cancer
How Should I Prepare?
- Avoid PPIs for 2 weeks and antibiotics for 4 weeks before testing.
- Testing: urea breath test, stool antigen, or biopsies during endoscopy.
What Happens During Treatment?
- 10–14-day antibiotic regimen (clarithromycin/levofloxacin-based triple or bismuth quadruple therapy).
- PPI during 4 weeks.
What Can I Expect Afterwards?
- Symptom improvement within days.
- Complete eradication in >85% with first‐line therapy.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Antibiotic side effects (diarrhea, taste disturbance) managable
- Reinfection risk (~1–2%/year)
Follow-Up
- Confirm eradication with breath or stool test ≥4 weeks post-treatment.
