- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Fainting or dizziness
- Rapid unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may indicate a bleeding ulcer or another serious gastrointestinal condition.
How Is H. pylori Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers have several reliable ways to detect the infection, including:
Urea Breath Test
One of the most accurate non-invasive tests.
Stool Antigen Test
Detects proteins from the bacteria in a stool sample.
Blood Test
Can detect antibodies but is less useful for determining whether an infection is current.
Upper Endoscopy
In some cases, a doctor may recommend an endoscopy to examine the stomach lining and obtain a biopsy.
How Is It Treated?
Unlike a simple stomach virus, H. pylori usually requires prescription medication.