Helicobacter Pylori infection

What is Helicobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter Pylori, also known as H.Pylori, is a bacteria that sometimes infect a person’s stomach leading to various problems. These include inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) and duodenum (duodenitis), ulcers (break in stomach / intestinal lining) and gastrointestinal bleeding (due to ulcer). The bacteria is also associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer.

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori infection?

The following symptoms may be present in patients with Helicobacter Pylori infection:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Post prandial (meal) abdominal fullness
  • Black or red coloured stools (due to ulcer bleeding)

How can I be tested for Helicobacter Pylori?

Endoscopy (Upper GI endoscopy with tissue biopsy) and urea breath test (CUBT) are widely available and useful for diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori infection. It is recommended that you consult a doctor who will perform full history taking and physical examination before deciding on which test is the most suitable for you.

Do I need treatment and see a Helicobacter Pylori specialist?

Yes, the treatment consists of a cocktail of antibiotics and acid suppressants usually for a duration of 2 weeks. Once treatment is completed, your doctor will arrange another test for you to confirm eradication of the bacteria (usually urea breath test). You may also be referred to see a specialist if endoscopy is indicated.

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, our clinic services are being streamlined to enable us to provide our usual services with effective social distancing measures. In addition to normal clinic consultation, we also offer telemedicine service for patients. Please contact or e-mail us at +65-62356136, +65-6288360 or enquiry@aliveomedical.com for further information.