Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the lining of your stomach. It was first discovered by two Australian scientists, Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, in 1982—a groundbreaking discovery that earned them the Nobel Prize in 2005.
Worldwide, up to half the population may carry this bacteria. In Australia, infection rates are lower and have continued to decline thanks to better hygiene, early detection, and effective treatments.
Many people with H. pylori don’t have any symptoms at all. However, in some cases, the bacteria can lead to:
Indigestion or bloating
Stomach or duodenal ulcers
An increased risk of stomach cancer, especially in people with a family history of ulcers or gastric cancer
Because H. pylori can cause long-term irritation in the stomach lining, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
There are a couple of reliable ways to test for H. pylori:
A breath test (non-invasive and commonly used)
During a gastroscopy (if one is being done for other reasons)
Sometimes, a stool test or blood test may also be used.
H. pylori can usually be completely cleared from your body with the right treatment. This involves:
Two or more antibiotics
Plus a medication that reduces stomach acid (known as a proton pump inhibitor)
Treatment typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks and is successful in about 90% of cases.
After treatment, your doctor will usually recommend a follow-up test to make sure the infection is gone. If the first round of treatment doesn't work, don’t worry—there are other options, and your gastroenterologist can guide you through them.
While H. pylori is common, it’s very manageable with the right care. If you have persistent stomach discomfort, a family history of ulcers or stomach cancer, or if you’ve been diagnosed with H. pylori, speak with your doctor about the best next steps.