Helicobacter Pylori Check

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that infects the stomach and is now known to be a major cause of peptic ulcer disease. One third of New Zealanders are believed to carry the bug, but many don’t realise they have it. It is the most common infection globally and can damage the stomach’s lining, making it more vulnerable to stomach acid. Those infected are more likely to develop stomach inflammation (gastritis) and more serious conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. Once detected, H. pylori can be treated. If you’re diagnosed with a stomach ulcer caused by H. pylori, your doctor is likely to treat you with a mix of antibiotic medicines and acid suppressing medication to kill the bacteria. People usually become infected as children, but can also be infected as an adult.