H. pylori

What it is

Helicobacter pylori, often shortened to H. pylori, is a type of bacteria that can live in the lining of your stomach. Your immune system, when it detects an infection, produces specific antibodies to fight off the bacteria. An H. pylori antibody test looks for these antibodies in your blood.

Think of antibodies as tiny soldiers your body makes to recognise and attack invaders like bacteria. If these soldiers are present in your blood, it suggests your body has encountered H. pylori at some point, either currently or in the past.

This particular test measures the amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against H. pylori. IgG antibodies are the most common type and are produced by your body a few weeks after an infection begins. The reference range for this test is typically up to 81.07 IU/ml, though your GP will interpret your result in the context of your individual health.

Why it matters

H. pylori is a very common bacterium, and many people carry it without ever experiencing any symptoms or health problems. However, in some individuals, H. pylori can cause inflammation in the stomach lining, known as gastritis. This inflammation can, over time, lead to more serious issues such as:

• Peptic ulcers: These are sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
• Stomach cancer: While rare, persistent H. pylori infection is a significant risk factor for developing stomach cancer.

Detecting the presence of H. pylori antibodies can help your GP understand the potential cause of certain digestive symptoms you might be experiencing, such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. It's important to remember that a positive antibody test doesn't automatically mean you have an active infection causing current symptoms. It simply indicates that your body has been exposed to the bacteria. Further tests might be needed to confirm an active infection.

What can cause it to be high or low

A high level of H. pylori antibodies (above the reference range) suggests that your body has been exposed to the bacteria. This could be due to:

• Current infection: You may have an active H. pylori infection in your stomach.
• Past infection: You may have had an infection in the past that your body has cleared, but the antibodies remain in your system for a long time.
• Treatment for a past infection: If you've been treated for H. pylori previously, antibodies may still be detectable.

A low level of H. pylori antibodies (within the reference range) generally indicates that your body has not been significantly exposed to the bacteria, or at least not in a way that triggered a strong antibody response.

It’s worth noting that antibody tests are not always the most accurate way to diagnose a current, active infection, as they can remain positive long after an infection has been successfully treated. Your GP might use other tests, such as a breath test, stool test, or endoscopy with a biopsy, to confirm if an active infection is present.

Lifestyle factors that may help

While lifestyle changes alone cannot eliminate an H. pylori infection, they can play a supportive role in managing digestive health and potentially reducing symptoms if an infection is present or if you've had one in the past. Discussing these with your GP is a good idea:

• Dietary choices: Some people find that certain foods can trigger or worsen their digestive symptoms. This can vary greatly from person to person. Common triggers might include spicy foods, fatty foods, or acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is generally beneficial for gut health.
• Smoking: Smoking is known to increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers and can also impair the healing of existing ulcers. Reducing or stopping smoking is often recommended for overall digestive well-being.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can irritate the stomach lining and may exacerbate symptoms of gastritis or ulcers. Moderating alcohol consumption is often advised.
• Stress management: While stress doesn't cause H. pylori infection, it can sometimes worsen digestive symptoms. Exploring stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, gentle exercise, or adequate sleep might be helpful.

Questions to discuss with your GP

If you have received a result for your H. pylori antibody test, or if you are experiencing digestive symptoms, it's a good opportunity to have a conversation with your GP. Here are some questions you might consider asking:

• What does my H. pylori antibody test result mean for my specific situation?
• Does this result suggest a current infection, or exposure in the past?
• Are there any further tests needed to confirm if I have an active H. pylori infection?
• What are the potential long-term implications of having H. pylori antibodies?
• What are the best ways to manage my digestive symptoms?
• Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes that would be particularly beneficial for me?