Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the mucus lining of your stomach. It's very common-many people carry it without any symptoms. But in some individuals, it can inflame the stomach lining, leading to ulcers, chronic gastritis, and other digestive problems.
Many people with H. pylori have no symptoms at first. When signs do appear, you may experience:
H. pylori spreads easily and thrives in areas with limited sanitation. Common ways you can contract it include:
Don't wait to let H. pylori hold you back. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our specialists offer advanced testing and personalized treatment plans designed for fast, lasting relief. Schedule your visit now and take the first step toward a healthier stomach and a better quality of life. From diagnosis to follow-up care, we're with you every step of the way-providing clear answers, gentle treatment, and the support you deserve.
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.
If you have persistent upper abdominal pain, bloating, early fullness, nausea, or unexplained weight loss, you should consider testing for H. pylori. Talk to your doctor to see if testing is right for you.
A home test kit lets you collect a stool or breath sample in the comfort of your home. You send the sample to a lab, and we'll call you with the results-easy, safe, and private.
Yes. Although less common than other symptoms, H. pylori can sometimes lead to diarrhea as the bacteria irritate the stomach and intestines.
Yes. H. pylori can spread through saliva, shared utensils, or close personal contact. Good hand hygiene and not sharing eating utensils can help prevent transmission.
Quadruple therapy combines two antibiotics, an acid-reducing medication, and bismuth ( a stomach-coating agent) to tackle antibiotic-resistant H. pylori infections.
Some natural remedies-like probiotics or green tea-may ease symptoms and support gut health, but they cannot replace antibiotics. Always discuss supplements with your doctor first.
Most antibiotic regimens last 10-14 days. After finishing treatment, your doctor may run another test to confirm the infection is fully cleared.
No. While diet adjustments can relieve symptoms, you need prescribed antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines to eliminate the H. pylori bacteria.
Testing costs vary depending on your insurance and the method used. We'll review all fees and coverage details with you before you decide to move forward.
See a doctor if your symptoms persist despite home remedies, or immediately if you develop serious issues like ulcers, severe pain, vomiting blood, or unintended weight loss.
