H. pylori

H. pylori (helicobacter pylori) is a type of germ (bacteria) that can infect your stomach lining. The infection can damage the protective lining of your stomach and cause inflammation.

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How H. pylori spreads

You can pick up H. pylori through:

  • kissing or getting traces of infected saliva on your hands then touching your mouth

  • getting traces of vomit or poo on your hands then touching your mouth

  • contaminated food or water — H. pylori can survive in unsanitary conditions and might be present on food, or in water that has not been properly treated.

The rate of H. pylori infection in Aotearoa New Zealand is lower than in other parts of the world.

Symptoms of H. pylori

Many people with H. pylori have no obvious symptoms. But symptoms you may experience include:

  • upper stomach pain
  • heartburn
  • bloating
  • feeling sick (nausea) or throwing up (vomiting)
  • poor appetite
  • feeling full after a small meal.

Complications of H. pylori

An H.pylori infection increases your chances of developing heartburn and stomach (peptic) ulcers. In a very small number of people, H. pylori can cause stomach cancer.

Peptic ulcer

Diagnosing H. pylori

The first test for H. pylori is a faecal antigen test, which involves giving a poo sample to be tested in the lab.

You may also need a sample taken from your stomach or small intestine to be tested. This can be done through a procedure called a gastroscopy. 

Gastroscopy

Before you have a faecal antigen test or a gastroscopy, it is important that you do not:

  • take any antibiotics in the 4 weeks before the test
  • take any medicines for indigestion in the 2 weeks before the test.

If you take these medicines the test may not show H. pylori even though it is there.

Treatment for H. pylori

Most people who have an H. pylori infection need to take 3 medicines for 2 weeks. The medicines are 2 antibiotics and a medicine that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach such as omeprazole or pantoprazole. 

Omeprazole — My Medicines

Pantoprazole — My Medicines

After treatment, most people no longer carry the infection. You will not need further testing unless your symptoms continue or come back.

Preventing H.pylori

You can reduce your risk of picking up H. pylori by:

  • washing your hands with soap and drying them after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food
  • preparing, cooking and storing food safely
  • only drinking water from a clean and safe source.

Preventing the spread of food and water borne diseases