That Ongoing Stomach Pain Might Be H. Pylori — Here’s Why You Should Care

What is H. pylori and why should you care?

Helicobacter pylori, often abbreviated as H. pylori, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can take up residence in the lining of your stomach. Once there, it can quietly trigger chronic inflammation, ulcers, or even increase the risk of stomach cancer. While many people infected with H. pylori experience no symptoms at all, for others it can be the underlying cause of years of mysterious digestive issues.

How do you catch it?

H. pylori is most commonly transmitted through contaminated food, water, or utensils. It’s also believed to spread via saliva and direct contact. Poor hygiene conditions in early childhood are a major risk factor — though infection can happen at any age.

It’s incredibly common: more than half the global population is thought to carry it. In Spain and other Mediterranean countries, infection rates are higher than in Northern Europe, meaning both locals and visitors could be at risk.

Common symptoms of H. pylori infection

The symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for something else:

• Burning stomach pain (especially on an empty stomach)
• Persistent bloating or fullness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent burping or acid reflux
• Dark or tarry stools (in more serious cases)

These symptoms often overlap with common gut disorders like IBS, making H. pylori tricky to diagnose without specific tests.

Could H. pylori be the cause of your chronic digestive problems?

If you’ve been told you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, or gastritis, and treatments haven’t worked — H. pylori could be the hidden cause. A simple test (usually a breath test, stool sample, or endoscopy) can reveal its presence.

Many people also confuse it with so-called “leaky gut,” another condition that’s gaining awareness. Here’s how to tell if you might have a leaky gut instead.

Is it dangerous?

Left untreated, H. pylori can lead to peptic ulcers — painful sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It also raises the risk of gastric cancer, especially if inflammation becomes chronic. This doesn’t mean everyone infected is in danger, but it’s not something to ignore.

How is it treated?

Typically, treatment involves what’s called “triple therapy”: a combination of two antibiotics and a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole. The goal is to kill the bacteria and allow the stomach lining to heal.

Follow-up testing is often recommended 4 to 6 weeks after treatment to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. Many patients feel significantly better within days of starting antibiotics.

Looking for a natural approach too? Some people use remedies like apple cider vinegar to support digestion — but this should only be used under medical advice when dealing with an active infection.

Is it a one-time infection?

Sometimes, yes. But reinfection can occur — especially if hygiene practices are poor or someone close to you still carries the bacteria. It’s crucial to practice good handwashing habits and avoid sharing utensils, especially during treatment.

Why H. pylori matters even if you don’t have obvious symptoms

Research now suggests H. pylori might affect more than just digestion. Some studies link it to conditions like iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and even skin conditions like rosacea. While the science is still emerging, the message is clear: this bug can cause systemic effects well beyond stomach pain.

Natural support during and after treatment

While antibiotics are essential for eradicating the infection, many people choose to support their gut with:

• Probiotics: Help restore healthy gut bacteria after antibiotic use.
• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): May soothe the stomach lining.
• Green tea and broccoli sprouts: Contain compounds believed to inhibit H. pylori.
• Manuka honey: A natural antibacterial with potential benefit (but not a cure).

These may help your microbiome recover post-antibiotics. For more gut-friendly habits, see our digestive health tips here.

Why H. pylori goes undiagnosed for so long

One reason H. pylori often slips under the radar is that doctors may not immediately test for it unless you have obvious ulcers. Additionally, its symptoms overlap with many common complaints — so it’s easy to chalk them up to diet, stress, or age. That’s why it’s important to advocate for testing if your symptoms persist.

In rare cases, symptoms that seem unrelated — like migraines — can also point toward hidden inflammation. Here's how to identify migraine triggers and gut links.

Testing options: what to expect

There are several reliable ways to test for H. pylori in Spain:

• Urea breath test: Non-invasive and highly accurate.
• Stool antigen test: Used for diagnosis and confirmation post-treatment.
• Blood antibody test: Less useful now, as it can’t tell if infection is current.
• Endoscopy with biopsy: Used if ulcers or stomach cancer are suspected.

These are typically available via private health cover in Spain and are usually quick, affordable, and highly effective in pinpointing the problem.

If symptoms extend beyond digestion — like unexplained fatigue or skin flare-ups — it’s worth considering other conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Here's how Crohn’s differs from chronic bacterial issues.

If you’re suffering, don’t guess — get tested

Chronic stomach discomfort isn’t normal, and it isn’t always “just stress.” If you’re experiencing persistent bloating, burning, nausea, or digestive issues that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, ask your doctor about H. pylori testing. The peace of mind — and the relief — can be life-changing.

Need better access to tests and specialists?

Getting clear answers and fast treatment often requires more than public healthcare can offer. If you’re tired of long waits or inconsistent follow-up, private health cover in Spain could make a huge difference. Plans like Sanitas Más Salud give you direct access to gastroenterologists, rapid diagnostics, and multilingual support — with no referral delay.

Don’t ignore that stomach pain. H. pylori is common — but treatable. All you need is the right support.