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Helicobacter pylori
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A Painful Problem
If you have an ulcer–a sore or crater in the lining of your digestive tract–you know it can be an uncomfortable and even painful condition. But do you know what caused it? Traditionally, ulcers were thought to be caused by too much spicy food, stress, or an anxious personality. We now know that most ulcers are probably due to infection with bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori.

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Common Ulcer Symptoms
Ulcers may or may not cause symptoms, and the symptoms often come and go. If you have an ulcer, you may notice some of these common symptoms:
  • Burning, cramping, or hungerlike pain in the stomach area, often one to three hours after a meal or in the middle of the night
  • Pain that gets better or worse with eating
  • Nausea or vomiting (vomit may be bloody or look like coffee grounds)
  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools (which may mean an ulcer is bleeding)

 
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Last Revised 07/2009 20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON