What Bacteria Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are primarily caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. This same bacterium is also responsible for conditions such as acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even stomach cancer. For patients diagnosed with ulcers caused by H. pylori, it's essential to undergo a proper eradication therapy to eliminate the infection.

Eradicating H. pylori not only helps in healing the ulcer but also significantly reduces the risk of recurrence, offering a more permanent solution. The current standard treatment recommended is a 10- to 14-day quadruple therapy, which includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth subsalicylate, and two different antibiotics.

After completing the treatment, it's important to confirm whether the bacteria have been successfully eliminated. A follow-up test using either a carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath test is typically performed four weeks after treatment ends. If the infection persists, a drug susceptibility test may be conducted to guide further antibiotic selection.

This comprehensive approach ensures effective management and long-term relief for individuals suffering from H. pylori-related ulcers.