H. pylori may also be a factor in the development of stomach cancer. H. pylori is a common infection. It tends to spread among people who are living together, sharing food and bathrooms. Doctors are trying to learn why some but not most people infected with H. pylori have gastritis and ulcers. Stomach-irritating habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol may contribute to these problems.
Many people never have any symptoms.
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and your family history of stomach problems. He or she will also ask how much alcohol and nicotine you are using. You will have a brief physical exam. A blood test , which looks for antibodies to H. pylori and is the least expensive test. You may also have an upper GI x-ray to look for ulcers in your stomach or small intestine.