H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can live in the stomach and may cause inflammation, stomach ulcers, and other digestive problems if it is not treated. Many people can have the infection without obvious symptoms, which is why it can sometimes go unnoticed. Knowing how people may become infected and recognizing the possible warning signs can help you seek medical attention early.
1. Contaminated food or water
H. pylori can spread through contaminated food or water, especially in places where sanitation and access to clean water are limited. Eating food prepared with contaminated water or poor hygiene can increase the chance of infection, which is why washing your hands and eating properly prepared food are important.
2. Close contact with an infected person
The bacteria may spread through contact with saliva, vomit, or stool from an infected person. Sharing eating utensils or drinks and poor hand hygiene after using the toilet can potentially increase the risk of transmission. Good personal hygiene can help reduce exposure.
3. Frequent stomach pain or burning
Some people with H. pylori develop a burning or aching pain in the upper part of the stomach. The discomfort may occur when the stomach is empty or at night, although symptoms can vary from person to person. Persistent or recurring stomach pain should be evaluated rather than automatically assumed to be an ulcer.
4. Bloating, nausea, or frequent burping
H. pylori infection can sometimes cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, nausea, excessive burping, or feeling unusually full after eating a small amount of food. These symptoms can also have many other causes, so testing is needed to determine whether H. pylori is responsible.
5. Ulcer symptoms or signs of bleeding
H. pylori can damage the stomach’s protective lining and contribute to stomach or duodenal ulcers. Warning signs can include severe or persistent stomach pain, vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools. Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stool requires urgent medical attention because it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.