Does Helicobacter pylori infection cause indigestion?

Helicobacter pylori may irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen, early fullness, nausea, bloating or belching. These symptoms are often grouped under indigestion. Other causes include reflux, medicines that irritate the stomach, food triggers, stress and conditions affecting the stomach or bowel. Some people with the infection have no symptoms, so symptom severity does not show whether infection is present.

Keep a short record of discomfort, meals, alcohol, pain medicines and other triggers. Eat at a comfortable pace and avoid foods or drinks that repeatedly worsen symptoms. A clinician can assess your history and decide whether Helicobacter pylori testing is suitable. If treatment is prescribed, take every medicine for the recommended course and ask what to do if symptoms continue afterward.

Seek medical advice for indigestion that is persistent, recurrent or changing, especially with vomiting, reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing, anaemia symptoms or unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or chest discomfort with breathlessness or sweating.

Could Helicobacter pylori be contributing to my indigestion? Which test is appropriate with my current medicines? What other causes should we consider, and when should I return if symptoms remain?