H. pylori Infection — treatment in Lahore
Also known as: H pylori · Helicobacter pylori Infection · Stomach Bacteria Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is the leading cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and an established risk factor for stomach cancer.
Overview
H. pylori is one of the most common chronic infections worldwide and is strongly linked to ulcers, gastritis, and even stomach cancer. Testing is simple; treatment is usually 14 days.
Signs & symptoms of H. pylori Infection
If you recognize one or more of these, it may be worth a consultation:
- Persistent upper-stomach discomfort
- Bloating after meals
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Bad breath that does not resolve
Causes & risk factors
Several factors can contribute to H. pylori Infection. Identifying yours guides the treatment plan.
- Contaminated food and water
- Close family contact (most adults are infected in childhood)
- Poor sanitation and crowded living conditions
- Sharing utensils with an infected person
How H. pylori Infection is diagnosed
We order tests selectively — only what changes the plan.
- Urea breath test
- Stool antigen test
- Endoscopic biopsy (when indicated)
Treatment options
Treatment for H. pylori Infection is personalized — the right plan depends on your symptoms, test results, and life situation.
- 1 Triple therapy: PPI + 2 antibiotics (clarithromycin + amoxicillin) for 14 days
- 2 Quadruple therapy: PPI + bismuth + 2 antibiotics for resistant strains
- 3 Test of cure: breath or stool test 4 weeks after treatment ends
- 4 Re-treatment with a different antibiotic combination if first-line fails
Treatment cures H. pylori in 85–90% of patients with the first course. Once eradicated, reinfection in adults is rare. Eliminating H. pylori dramatically reduces ulcer recurrence and lowers the long-term risk of stomach cancer.
Can H. pylori Infection be prevented?
Simple, evidence-based steps that reduce your risk.
- Wash hands carefully before eating and after using the toilet
- Eat well-cooked food; drink only safe water
- Avoid sharing eating utensils with someone who has active infection
When should you see a doctor about H. pylori Infection?
Reach out without delay if you notice any of the following.
- Persistent upper-stomach pain or bloating
- Black or tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood
- Family history of stomach cancer + persistent symptoms
Frequently asked questions about H. pylori Infection
What is the best test for H. pylori? +
Urea breath test and stool antigen test are equally accurate non-invasive options. Endoscopy with biopsy is reserved for patients who need a procedure anyway (alarm symptoms, suspected ulcer). Avoid blood antibody tests — they can't tell active from past infection.
Do I need to stop my acid-reducing medication before the test? +
Yes. PPIs must be stopped for 2 weeks before a breath or stool test, and antibiotics for at least 4 weeks. Otherwise, a true infection can be missed.
My family member has H. pylori — should I get tested? +
Not automatically. We test family members only if they have symptoms (ulcers, dyspepsia, iron-deficiency anemia of unclear cause) or a family history of stomach cancer.
Are antibiotics the only treatment? +
Yes. There is no proven non-antibiotic treatment for H. pylori. Probiotics and certain foods may improve tolerance of antibiotics but cannot eradicate the infection on their own.
Related services
How we treat H. pylori Infection at Javaid Poly Clinic.
Useful self-check tools
Free, evidence-based — try them before your visit.
Dr Usman Javaid
Gastroenterology & Medicine Diplomat · DIP (Gastro) UK · DIP (Hepatology) UK · DIP (Diabetes) UK · MCPS FM-TC · MPH · FRSPH (UK) · FRCP (Colombo) · Organ Transplant Advisor · CHPE (NUMS) · Preventive Medicine Specialist · Owner of Javaid Poly Clinic.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Usman Javaid on . Content is updated when new evidence or guidelines emerge.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical consultation. If you have symptoms of H. pylori Infection or any other condition, please book a consultation. In emergencies, call 1122 or visit your nearest emergency department.