Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach lining. It can weaken the protective mucus layer, leading to inflammation, stomach pain, and peptic ulcers. If left untreated, H. pylori may increase the risk of more serious conditions such as chronic gastritis or stomach cancer.
Many people with H. pylori don't notice any symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
H. pylori spreads primarily through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes. Common transmission factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our board-certified specialists offer personalized H. pylori care from diagnosis through follow-up. We combine on-site breath and stool testing with targeted antibiotic therapy, stomach acid control, and expert dietary coaching to give you the best chance at lasting relief. Schedule your appointment today-our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you every step of the way, and help you get back to living comfortably.
We've successfully treated more than 1.6K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Yes, but it spreads slowly. Avoid sharing utensils and practice good hand hygiene to reduce risk.
Yes, but it's usually mild and not always present.
The urea breath test and stool test are the most accurate for detecting H. pylori.
You drink a special solution. If H. pylori is present, it breaks down the solution and releases a gas we can measure in your breath.
Some natural remedies may help-but always talk to your doctor first. Use them alongside, not instead of, prescribed medications.
Doctors typically prescribe two antibiotics at once (such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin) to more effectively eradicate the bacteria.
Choose gentle, easy-to-digest foods like yogurt, bananas, rice, and vegetables. Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy dishes.
En espa-ol, los sintomas incluyen dolor de estomago, nauseas, gases, acidez (reflujo) y, a veces, diarrea.
Treatment usually runs 10-14 days, followed by a check-up 4-6 weeks later to confirm the bacteria has been eradicated.
If you have ongoing stomach pain, persistent acid reflux, unexplained weight loss, or other troubling symptoms, book a visit with a gastroenterologist.
