Can Helicobacter pylori infection cause gastritis?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can live in the stomach’s protective mucus layer. The immune response to it, together with changes in the lining, may produce inflammation called gastritis. Some people have no symptoms; others notice upper-abdominal discomfort, nausea, early fullness, burping or reduced appetite. These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not confirm infection by themselves. Find background information on [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) and [Helicobacter Pylori Infection](/conditions/helicobacter-pylori-infection/).

A clinician may assess your symptoms and use a breath test, stool test or other evaluation to look for the infection. If testing confirms Helicobacter pylori, treatment commonly combines prescribed antibiotics with medicine that reduces stomach acid. Take the full course exactly as directed, and ask before stopping because symptoms improve. Follow-up testing may be advised to check whether the infection has cleared.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or tar-like stools, severe or sudden abdominal pain, fainting, persistent vomiting or trouble swallowing. Arrange a medical appointment for recurring upper-abdominal symptoms, unexplained weight loss, anaemia symptoms or ongoing indigestion, especially if symptoms are changing.

Ask which test is suitable, whether any medicines need to be paused before testing, what side effects treatment may cause, and whether follow-up testing is needed. Share any history of ulcers, previous antibiotic treatment, allergies and regular medicines.