What are the six manifestations of Helicobacter pylori?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no established concept of "six manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection." After infection with Helicobacter pylori, some individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. For those who do develop symptoms, they are typically related to gastrointestinal discomfort, including epigastric pain, postprandial fullness, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, belching, and oral malodor. It is important to maintain good dietary hygiene and avoid sharing eating utensils or consuming untreated water.
Generally speaking, there is no established concept of "six manifestations of Helicobacter pylori," and some individuals may not exhibit obvious symptoms after infection. Those who do experience symptoms mainly present with gastrointestinal discomfort, including upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, acid reflux with heartburn, nausea and belching, and oral malodor. The specific manifestations are as follows:
1. Upper abdominal pain: Infected individuals often experience upper abdominal pain, which is typically described as dull, distended, or aching pain. The pain occurs irregularly and may appear during fasting or worsen after eating. If left untreated for a long time, the pain may recur repeatedly, affecting normal eating and rest.
2. Postprandial fullness: A significant feeling of fullness may occur after eating, even after consuming small amounts of food. The sensation of fullness lasts for a prolonged period and cannot be relieved by simple physical activity. It may also be accompanied by reduced appetite, leading to gradually decreased food intake.
3. Acid reflux and heartburn: Abnormal excessive secretion of gastric acid may lead to acid reflux, characterized by gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus, accompanied by a sour taste. At the same time, heartburn may occur, manifesting as a burning sensation behind the sternum or in the upper abdomen, particularly after meals or when lying down, when the discomfort may become more pronounced.
4. Nausea and belching: Some individuals may frequently experience nausea, which may progress to vomiting in severe cases, with vomitus mainly consisting of undigested food from the stomach. Belching (frequent hiccups) may also occur, and the discomfort in the stomach may temporarily improve after gas is expelled, but symptoms tend to recur quickly.
5. Oral malodor: Persistent bad breath may develop in the mouth. This malodor is not ordinary halitosis and is difficult to completely eliminate even with thorough tooth brushing and oral hygiene practices.
In daily life, attention should be paid to food hygiene, avoiding shared tableware and drinking untreated water to reduce the risk of infection. If the above symptoms occur and persist without relief, dietary adjustments may help improve the condition.
