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Helicobacter pylori


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Riverview Endoscopy
at Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia
08-9340-6307


Most ulcers of the stomach and duodenum (peptic ulcers) are caused by an infection called Helicobacter pylori. Some ulcers may also be caused by some medicines (especially arthritis tablets) and some other rare diseases.

For many years ulcers have been treated by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach using either surgery or medicines taken for life

Nowadays, for ulcers due to Helicobacter, treatment with antibiotics can kill the infection, cure the ulcers, and, in most cases, stop them coming back.

The treatment involves 3 or 4 different medicines taken for 1 to 2 weeks. Some pre-made packs containing all the necessary medicines are now available. Your doctor can advise you of the best treatment for your case.

Proving you have ulcers and the infection can be accomplished by a single test called a gastroscopy or endoscopy. This involves looking into the stomach with a thin flexible stomach passed through the mouth, and is usually quite safe and simple.

If you think you might have an ulcer talk to your doctor about finding and treating it.

Presented by Dr Lindsay C MollisonRiverview LogoRiverview Endoscopy Home Page

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Created 28 July 1997

Updated 14 November 2001

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