Helicobacter pylori can cause symptoms such as ulcers and in some rare cases can even lead to stomach cancer. H. pylori is one of the most common causes of stomach ulcers in adult patients. It is a bacterium found nearly everywhere and is generally transmitted through contaminated food, meaning a person will contract H. pylori by eating products where the bacteria are present. At Vanguard Gastroenterology, we provide diagnosis and treatment for people with H. pylori, so our patients can enjoy a life free from discomfort and abdominal pain. While H. pylori is a relatively common bacterium, many people may not know they have been infected unless they undergo appropriate testing with an experienced gastroenterologist.

There are several different testing methods that can effectively diagnose a person with H. pylori.  Blood tests, stool samples, breath testing, and endoscopic stomach biopsies can all be used in order to determine whether H. pylori is the culprit of your ulcers.  Unfortunately, H. pylori often does not cause overt symptoms, so patients may not realize they have contracted the bacterium. If a person does exhibit symptoms, it will often only result in some bloating or excessive gas, unintentional weight loss, and mild abdominal discomfort. Testing is the only way to know for certain whether you have H. pylori. Once you have been diagnosed with H. pylori, treatment will typically include acid-blocking medicine in conjunction with an antibiotic regimen. You will need to undergo stool testing approximately 1 month after your treatment begins to ensure that H. pylori has been eradicated.

Often, patients will seek diagnosis of H. pylori when they notice persistent gastrointestinal symptoms that do not go away on their own, or when other treatments have failed. If you notice persistent abdominal pain that is worse when your stomach is empty, difficulty swallowing, excessive belching, or loss of appetite, H. pylori may be the cause. Testing for H. pylori is relatively simple, so when other treatments have not worked, undergoing diagnostic screening for this common bacterial infection can offer important insight into your health and allow your doctor to create a treatment plan that will address the underlying cause of your symptoms, so you can enjoy life free from excessive bloating and burping. You deserve to live your life comfortably and a healthy digestive system is an incredibly important part of ensuring your total-body health.

If you have noticed changes in your appetite or the way your body responds to food and are not sure what is causing your symptoms, contact Vanguard Gastroenterology in NYC today.  We provide comprehensive testing and treatment services for the common H. pylori infection, so you can enjoy improved health and digestive comfort. We serve patients from New York NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, East Elmhurst NY, Ridgewood NY, Valley Stream NY, and Staten Island NY.