It has been shown that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays a key role in the development of both stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers and it is now firmly established that the bacterium causes more than 90% of duodenal (intestinal) ulcers and up to 80% of stomach (gastric) ulcers.

Because of the presence of H. pylori, which is a bacterium, stomach ulcers can now be cured with a short-term course of drugs and the use of antibiotics.

H. pylori is found in the stomach of about 50% of the world’s population; in developing countries almost everyone is infected.

Infection is typically contracted in early childhood and the bacteria may remain in the stomach for life; in most people there are no symptoms.

However, stomach ulcers can be triggered in 10-15% of those infected with H. pylori. In such cases, the signs of inflammation are always present in the stomach lining close to where the bacteria is seen.

The organism is present in almost all patients with gastric inflammation, duodenal ulcers or gastric ulcers.

Even though inhibiting gastric acid production can heal stomach ulcers, they frequently relapse because the bacteria and chronic inflammation of the stomach remain.

Stomach ulcers can only be properly cured when H. pylori is completely eradicated from the stomach.

It is now accepted that gastric disorders are infectious diseases and not physiological illnesses, as was previously thought.

If you are having recurrent gastric problems or suspect that you may be suffering from a stomach ulcer, there is now a simple to use home test available that can detect the presence of H. pylori in the stomach. If the test is positive, you can be prescribed drugs and antibiotics that can eradicate the stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer completely.