Many people have no signs that they are infected, but others may have a burning stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and less of an appetite. The infection weakens the lining of the stomach and may lead to an ulcer. When stomach acid flows over the damaged area of the stomach, pain and discomfort may result. H.pylori has been associated with gastritis, ulcers, stomach tumors, and iron deficiency anemia. It is not exactly known how H. pylori is spread.
Infection rates increase as one gets older.
Children and adults can be infected with H. pylori . If you've had peptic ulcer disease, ulcers, or if anyone in your family has had stomach cancer, you should be tested for H. pylori . H. pylori testing is done through a blood test, a breath test, or by endoscopy. In endoscopy, a special instrument is inserted into your body so that the stomach lining can be seen. The instrument also has the ability to take a small sample of your stomach lining for testing.