Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that lives in your stomach. It can cause issues like stomach aches and ulcers. In rare cases, it might lead to stomach cancer.

This bacteria is very common — more than half of people around the world have it. Most of the time, it does not cause any symptoms. H. pylori spreads through kissing, sharing food and drinks, or by touching vomit or stool.

To check for an H. pylori infection, we test for the bacteria in your stomach and upper small intestine. These tests also help us see if your treatment is working.

There are four ways to test for H. pylori:

• Blood test. This test checks for special cells called antibodies that your body makes to fight H. pylori. If we find antibodies, you either have an infection now or had one before. We take a blood sample from your arm using a needle.
• Breath test. This test checks for H. pylori bacteria in your stomach. You will blow into a balloon or bottle to collect a breath sample. Then, you will swallow a capsule or drink a special liquid. We take more breath samples to see if H. pylori is present.
• Stool test. This test looks for substances in your stool that fight H. pylori. You might need to collect a stool sample at home for this test.
• Stomach biopsy. We use a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope, to look inside your stomach. The gastroenterologist takes small samples from your stomach lining to check for H. pylori. This test helps confirm the presence of the bacteria.

To get rid of H. pylori, we will prescribe specific antibiotics. These are special medicines that destroy the bacteria in your stomach. You might need to take more than one type of antibiotic. You may also need other medicines that reduce stomach acid and make the antibiotics work better.

After you finish your treatment, you might need a follow-up test. This test helps us check if the antibiotics worked and that the infection is gone. It is important to make sure that the bacteria are no longer in your stomach and the infection is fully treated.

Clinics that treat GI tract strictures

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in treatments for bile duct strictures are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field. Please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about heart disease. You can also help us find better ways to help people like you live and thrive. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation can help care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information. You can also contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.