Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that lives in the stomach lining. It is usually picked up in childhood and can stay for life without treatment. Many people have no symptoms, but it is a leading cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers, and a known risk factor for stomach cancer.
Testing
- Urea breath test, a simple non-invasive test
- Stool antigen test
- Biopsy taken during a gastroscopy, which also shows the state of the stomach lining
Some medicines, such as acid-reducing tablets and antibiotics, can affect the result, so they may need to be stopped for a period before testing.
Treatment
Treatment is usually a one- to two-week course combining an acid-reducing medicine with two or more antibiotics. It is important to finish the full course. A repeat test, done at least four weeks after treatment, confirms that the infection has cleared.
Why it matters
Clearing H. pylori helps ulcers heal and lowers the chance of them coming back, and reduces the risk of stomach cancer. Family members may also be advised to get tested. Read more about stomach cancer screening.
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-07. Book a consultation.