Burning pain in the upper tummy, indigestion, bloating or feeling sick after meals are very common. One frequent cause is a stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is easy to test for, and it can be treated.
What is H. pylori?
H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. It is very common and most people who carry it never have symptoms. In some people it causes inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
The two main causes of stomach ulcers are H. pylori infection and regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Untreated H. pylori infection also increases the risk of stomach cancer, although most people with H. pylori will never develop it.
Typical symptoms
- pain in the upper part of the tummy, often burning, often worse at night
- indigestion and heartburn
- bloating and burping
- feeling or being sick
- feeling full after only a small amount of food, loss of appetite
How a stool antigen test works
When H. pylori is in the stomach, parts of the bacterium (antigens) pass into the stool. A stool antigen test looks for these antigens, so it shows a current infection. A stool test and a breath test are the tests doctors most often use to check for H. pylori.
The Testera Helicobacter pylori Rapid Test detects H. pylori antigens in a small stool sample. You can do it at home and take the result to your doctor.
Helicobacter pylori Rapid Test – €6.99 →
Before you test: medicines matter
Some medicines suppress the bacteria and can give a false negative result:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole or pantoprazole: wait 2 weeks after the last dose.
- Antibiotics: wait 4 weeks after finishing the course.
- Bismuth-containing medicines: wait at least 4 weeks after the last dose.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
After treatment
H. pylori is treated with a course of antibiotics combined with a stomach acid-reducing medicine. After treatment, it is recommended to check that the infection has been cleared. Your doctor chooses the test and its timing. The test is done at least 4 weeks after the last dose of antibiotics or bismuth and at least 2 weeks after stopping PPIs, otherwise the result may be falsely negative.
See a doctor if
- your indigestion does not go away with treatment
- your tummy pain keeps coming back
- the test is positive – you will need prescription treatment
Get urgent help if you have tummy pain together with weight loss without trying, loss of appetite, difficulty or pain when swallowing, repeated vomiting or constant tiredness.
Call an ambulance (112) if you vomit blood or something that looks like ground coffee, your stool is black, sticky and tarry, or you have sudden severe tummy pain or chest pain.
Common questions
Is H. pylori contagious?
Yes. It spreads from person to person through saliva, vomit or stool, and through contaminated food or water. Washing your hands well before eating and after using the toilet lowers the risk.
Does a positive test mean I have an ulcer?
No. A positive result shows that H. pylori is present, not that you have an ulcer. Your doctor will decide on treatment and whether you need further tests, such as a gastroscopy.
Can I test while taking omeprazole?
It is better not to. PPIs can make the test falsely negative. Usually a 2-week break is needed, but ask your doctor before stopping.
Rapid tests are intended for preliminary screening and do not replace a doctor’s consultation.
Sources: NHS – stomach ulcer, NICE CG184, Cleveland Clinic