Doctors Beginning to Test for Bacteria in Stomach

In the past, testing for H. pylori bacteria has not generally been recommended for people without ulcers, even if they suffer from “dyspepsia” (upper abdominal pain or discomfort that typically occurs on an empty stomach or with meals and is frequently confused with ulcer symptoms). However, this view is changing, and many physicians now recommend testing individuals with dyspepsia and treating those who test positive. Although--for unknown reasons--treatment will make only about 10% of them feel better, eliminating the bacteria could reduce the risk of serious long-term consequences of infection such as ulcers and stomach cancer (a rare but serious complication of H. pylori infection).