For years, doctors thought that eating spicy foods, smoking or stress caused stomach ulcers. Scientists then discovered that bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, known as H. Pylori, are responsible for most peptic ulcers. It is estimated that more than half of the population has H. pylori bacteria in their bodies, but most are unaware, as it doesn’t cause sickness for everyone.

While H. pylori is the most common cause of ulcers, not all patients with ulcers have H. pylori. Use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin are also known to cause peptic ulcers. The risk of ulcer disease and complications are further increased when H. pylori is present and NSAID use occurs.

You may not have any symptoms of H. pylori. Early signs indicating that you may have ulcer caused by H. pylori are:

• Dull or burning pain in stomach
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Belching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Additionally, ulcers can cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Stool containing blood, or is red or black
• Vomit containing blood
• Severe stomach pain
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness

It is not really known exactly how H. pylori spreads. It is presumed that it may be transmitted by:

• Saliva; hand to mouth or mouth to mouth
• Fecal contamination to mouth; likely from not thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom

We know that children are more at risk, likely because of lack of proper hygiene.  There is also increased risk in developing countries.

Your doctor can diagnose H. pylori by:

• Taking a medical history
• Performing a physical exam
• Performing diagnostic tests, such as a blood test, stool test, urea breath test or an endoscopy.

If you have ulcers as a result of H. pylori, you’ll likely be prescribed a mix of medications that include:

• Antibiotics
• Proton Pump Inhibitors
• H-2 blockers
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)

If H. pylori causes an ulcer and the ulcer is left untreated, patients are at risk for:

• Internal bleeding
• Obstructions
• Perforation
• Stomach cancer