What are the Signs and Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
Although H. pylori infections are wide-spread, not all infected persons become symptomatic. Acute infection is characterized by gnawing or burning epigastric pains, which typically occur when the stomach is empty, between meals, and in the early morning hours. The pain, which may persist for minutes to hours, is often partially relieved by eating or taking antacids and H 2 blockers. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and bleeding – which can manifest as hematemesis, hematochezia or melena. Severe or prolonged bleeding can cause anemia, fatigue, and weakness and hypotension. Comorbid conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease may be exacerbated by significant blood loss. Chronic infection may result in the finding of gastric carcinoma or MALT lymphoma.
