Overview
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial infection of the stomach lining. It's surprisingly common — affecting a large portion of the Indian population — and is the leading cause of stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis. The good news: it's curable with a focused course of antibiotics, and treating it often resolves long-standing symptoms.
Common symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often worse on an empty stomach
- Bloating and frequent belching
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Sometimes no symptoms at all
When to see a doctor
If you have persistent stomach pain, recurring ulcers, or a family history of stomach cancer, testing for H. pylori is worthwhile. Anyone diagnosed with peptic ulcers should be tested as a standard part of care.
How we help
We diagnose H. pylori with stool antigen tests, breath tests, or biopsy during endoscopy. Treatment is a 10–14 day course of combined antibiotics with acid-suppressing medication. We confirm cure with a follow-up test 4–6 weeks after treatment ends.
This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. C. Sai Kumar or another qualified specialist.