Helicobacter pylori Treatment
Also known as H. pylori eradication therapy, triple therapy, or quadruple therapy, depending on the regimen used
What is helicobacter pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is caused by a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach lining. It is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting about half of the world’s population. The bacteria colonise the gastric mucosa, where they can cause inflammation known as gastritis. In many people, the infection is asymptomatic, but in others, it can lead to more serious digestive system problems, such as peptic ulcer disease, which includes gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Symptoms
Symptoms of H. pylori infection vary widely. Most people do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include abdominal pain or discomfort, especially a dull or burning pain in the stomach area. This pain may worsen a few hours after eating or during the night. Other symptoms can include bloating, nausea, indigestion, frequent burping, loss of appetite, and, in more severe cases, vomiting or blood in the stool, which may indicate bleeding ulcers.
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Ways to payBefore treatment
Before starting treatment, your gastroenterologist will confirm the presence of the bacteria using diagnostic tests. These tests may include a blood test, breath test, stool tests, or an endoscopy with biopsy. The breath test involves swallowing a substance called urea tagged with carbon molecules. If H. pylori bacteria are present, they break down the urea, releasing carbon that is detected in the breath sample. Stool tests check for bacterial proteins, while endoscopy allows direct visualisation of the upper digestive tract and collection of tissue samples for analysis. It is essential to avoid certain medications, such as antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, or bismuth-containing compounds, before testing, as they can affect the accuracy of results.
During treatment
Treatment for H. pylori infection generally involves a combination therapy of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medicines like proton pump inhibitors. The typical regimen includes two antibiotics to help eradicate the bacteria and reduce the risk of resistance, along with a proton pump inhibitor to decrease stomach acid and promote healing of the stomach lining. Treatment usually lasts for one week, but in some cases, it may be extended to two weeks depending on the severity of the infection and the presence of complications such as stomach ulcers. Patients are advised to complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve to ensure successful eradication of the bacteria.
After treatment
After completing treatment, follow-up testing is often recommended to confirm that the H. pylori infection has been successfully eradicated. This is commonly done using a breath test or stool test at least four weeks after finishing antibiotics and two weeks after stopping proton pump inhibitors. If the infection persists, alternative treatment regimens may be prescribed. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding spicy foods, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of reinfection or complications like stomach cancer.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
You’ll begin with an appointment with a gastroenterologist or healthcare professional who will review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous digestive issues. If an H. pylori infection is suspected, diagnostic testing will be arranged.
Diagnostic Tests
To confirm the presence of Helicobacter pylori, your doctor may recommend a breath test, stool test, blood test, or endoscopy with biopsy. Each test helps detect bacterial activity or proteins linked to H. pylori. You’ll be advised to avoid certain medications, such as antibiotics, PPIs, and bismuth compounds, before testing to ensure accurate results.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will design a combination therapy plan — typically two antibiotics alongside a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. This course usually lasts 7–14 days, depending on your condition and response to treatment.
Treatment Period
During this stage, you’ll take all prescribed medications exactly as directed. Your care team will check in to ensure you’re tolerating treatment well.
Aftercare & Lifestyle Support
Once treatment is complete, your doctor will guide you on maintaining a healthy digestive environment. This may include avoiding spicy foods, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress, all of which can help protect your stomach lining and prevent recurrence.
Follow-Up Testing
About 4 weeks after treatment, a breath or stool test is usually performed to confirm successful eradication of H. pylori. If traces of the bacteria remain, an alternative treatment plan may be recommended. Ongoing care ensures your stomach stays healthy and free from future complications.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to an OSD treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
Helicobacter pylori infection is primarily triggered by the transmission of the bacteria from person to person. It is often acquired in childhood through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or faecal matter from an infected individual. Poor hygiene practices, crowded living conditions, and contaminated food or water sources can increase the risk of infection. Once inside the stomach, H. pylori bacteria colonise the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric inflammation and sometimes peptic ulcer disease.
Some medications used to treat H. pylori infection, including certain antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, may cause side effects such as dizziness in some patients. This can be due to the medication itself or as a result of interactions with other drugs. If you experience dizziness or any other unusual symptoms during treatment, it is essential to inform your healthcare professional promptly. They may adjust your medication or guide you to manage the side effects.
Treating H. pylori infection in children involves a carefully prescribed antibiotic treatment combined with acid-suppressing medicines like proton pump inhibitors. The choice of antibiotics and treatment duration may differ slightly from adults to ensure safety and effectiveness. Healthcare professionals typically recommend a combination of two antibiotics along with a proton pump inhibitor for one to two weeks. It is crucial to follow the prescribed regimen fully to achieve successful eradication and prevent antibiotic resistance. Additionally, testing before and after treatment is essential to confirm diagnosis and treatment success.
The treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection usually involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and reduce the risk of resistance effectively. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. In cases where there is a penicillin allergy or antibiotic resistance, alternative antibiotics may be used based on susceptibility testing. It is important to use antibiotics as part of a combination therapy, typically alongside a proton pump inhibitor, to ensure a high rate of successful eradication and to promote healing of the stomach lining.