H. pylori: finish treatment, then confirm clearance
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An infection, not a cancer diagnosis
H. pylori can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers. Many people have no symptoms. It increases some long-term risks, but most infected people never develop stomach cancer. Treatment does not guarantee relief of every symptom.
Use the right test
Stool antigen and breath tests assess active infection. Stomach biopsies can be tested if gastroscopy is needed. Gastroscopy can also assess complications and, in some circumstances, provide samples for culture to help tailor antibiotic treatment. Blood antibodies can remain positive after an old infection and cannot confirm treatment success.
Prepare with your prescriber
Stool testing generally needs at least two weeks without a PPI and four weeks without antibiotics or bismuth. Agree a safe medicine plan first. Do not stop necessary prescribed treatment from an online checklist.
Take the prescribed course
Eradication combines a PPI such as omeprazole with antibiotics, sometimes with bismuth. Complete the full course: missing doses or stopping early can encourage resistance and make later treatment harder. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Take medicines as prescribed, with food when instructed, and ask whether a probiotic is suitable. Contact the prescribing team if side effects prevent completion.
Confirm that it cleared
Arrange a faecal antigen test, usually 6-8 weeks after treatment. Avoid PPIs, antibiotics and bismuth for the minimum periods advised so the result is accurate. Check even if symptoms resolve.
Symptoms and other findings need review
Ongoing discomfort may have another cause, and ulcers or tissue changes need their own follow-up. Vomiting blood, black stools with faintness or sudden severe pain need urgent assessment.
When to get help
Vomiting blood, black tarry stools with faintness, severe sudden abdominal pain or marked illness need urgent assessment. Contact your prescribing team promptly for significant side effects or persistent severe diarrhoea during or after antibiotics.
Call 111 for collapse, difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Do not wait for a routine appointment or email reply.
General information. Follow your own care instructions.