H. Pylori Infection

Overview

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium and is a major cause of peptic ulcers. It damages the mucous coating that protects the stomach and duodenum. This damage allows powerful stomach acid to irritate the lining of the stomach, and together with the H. pylori, this can cause the ulcer.

While H. pylori causes more than half of all peptic ulcers, some people infected never develop ulcers, and may never have any symptoms. In fact, many people never get sick from H.pylori and therefore do not realize they have the infection. Some people may actually be resistant to damage from H.pylori.

 

Applicable Procedures

EGD

 

What causes H. pylori infections?

Medical experts are still unsure of what causes H. pylori, but it may spread through contact with other people or by consuming contaminated water or food. H. pylori typically infects a person during childhood, due to risk factors like living with someone with the infection, living in crowded conditions, residing in a developing country, or being without access to clean water.

 

How serious is H. pylori?

Sometimes, H. pylori is not serious at all and does not lead to any symptoms. People who are affected by H pylori may develop a stomach ulcer or inflammation in the stomach lining. People who have an H. pylori infection are also at greater risk of stomach cancer.

 

How is H. pylori treated?

The typical treatment for an H. pylori infection is a combination of two antibiotics, so the body does not become resistant to any single antibiotic. You will also likely take a medication like Pepto-Bismol or a proton pump inhibitor to reduce acid and allow the stomach lining to heal.

 

Common Symptoms

  • “I felt a burning sensation in my stomach, and the pain was worse when I had an empty stomach.”
  • “I had no appetite, and I lost weight without meaning to do so.”
  • “I was bloated and burping all the time, and I felt nauseous.”

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What They Are Saying

kasey K.
All staff are friendly, caring and actually listen . All medical professionals explained everything and very compassionate. I have bad anxiety and the entire process was great. Wish all medical professionals were like here .
Rodney G.
Very efficient, friendly reassuring.
Fernando K.
My endoscopy with Dr. Wille could not have gone more smoothly. From scheduling the appointment to receiving clear instructions, having my questions thoroughly answered by the nurses, and the procedure itself - every step was seamless!
Lisa M.
The medical staff at Center for Digestive Health were extremely professional and competent yet personable and supportive.
Len P.
This team operates like a well-oiled machine.
Mike D.
Everyone there was attentive and supportive. They left me with a great confidence in their purpose and ability. Thank you,
Lori B.
Sr Bakken and her team are AMAZING. Every time I am there the staff and team are absolutely wonderful. I have never felt so comfortable and taken care of. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Karl S.
The experience was great. Checked-in a my set time. After a few minutes wait was taken to the prep room. The prep team was very comforting and informative. After a few minutes, I was taken to the procedure room, meet Dr Tocco and was quickly put to sleep. After a quick procedure, I was waking up in the recovery room. I felt great with no after effects from the anesthesia or procedure. In and out in an hour. Returned home to relax without any after effects. They called me after a few hours to check on my recovery.
Megan L.
I absolutely love this doctors office. They’re always understanding, they don’t rush you during your appt and really take the time to listen and ask questions.
KC9
Met with Dr. Bakken for first consultation. I went in with a general idea of what I needed help with. She provided appropriate assessments and consideration to all my needs. She listened and provided thorough explanations to any questions and concerns. During my checkout, the person who provided me with the paperwork and scheduling my labs was meticulous and thorough in her explanations. I couldn’t stop saying how supported and professional this office was. Not once did I feel rushed or confused. It is how any medical facility should treat patients and operate. I haven’t gotten the bill yet but for the quality of service from the staff and doctors was beyond satisfactory. There are follow-ups I will need but I already feel confident that I’m in the right place.
J S.
Dr Wille and his team are confident, competent, and most of all, caring. You are in very good hands if you choose Dr Wille and his team for your gastroenterology needs.
Maria C.
Very professional service
Kathryn H.
We were brought in timely. Staff were very professional and friendly as was the doctor who listened and also very knowledgeable. Very pleased with appointment.
Lisa O.
Always a positive professional experience. I am always out at ease when I have a procedure or an office call. One of the best doctors at Beaumont
Chris G.
I met Dr.Wille for the first time and was very comfortable with him. I know he does what is best for his patients based on his recommendations for me. Other people recommended him to me and I’m so glad.
Anita K.
The staff and Dr. Bakken were courteous and friendly. I will definitely recommend to others.
Natalie M.
Such a phenomenal experience from the moment I walked to the front desk for processing until I was escorted out the facility! The ENTIRE staff was completely amazing & very personable. Everyone who assisted with my procedure was truly comforting, thorough in explaining their role with me & ensured I was good at all times! Dr Donat came referred by my primary physician & I’m thankful for that. Continue the GREAT work, guys! Highly recommend!
Deb K.
All of the office staff were very friendly and helpful in answering all my questions. I was only in the waiting room for about 5 minutes and was taken in the back. Dr Wille came in right after Chris his assistant left the room! I have never been to an office that ran so smooth and efficient! I can't say enough about Dr. Wille. He is very kind and personable. Very easy to talk to and he is an even better listener. Too many times I have had doctors try to finish my sentence or cut me off mid sentence. Not the case with Dr Wille. He is a true gem! I will recommend him and this office to everyone!
Luann B.
Dr. WILLE is great, very personable and professional. Office staff is very friendly and helpful.
Toni B.
A great experience. I was given all the information I needed. Thank you.
Susan W.
This practice is very impressive. They are professional, efficient, thorough, kind, and caring. The staff was very helpful in the days leading up to my procedure and during the procedure as well. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a GI procedure.
Beverly P.
On time video chat with Dr Wille and we’ll informed.
Diane M.
Dr. Weber and his staff are efficient, professional, thorough while maintaining a very friendly atmosphere. Thank you to every one of you for your endless efforts.
Carey M.
Friendly, clean and very considerate
Katherine D.
Kind, courteous and respectful. Can't ask for more in a doctor's office. Oh yes, they don't give up easily just because I'm elderly. Very important to me.
Marlene K.
Dr. WILLIE, was great, and his whole staff was very helpful and courteous. They make you feel calm and relaxed, not anxious at all. If I knew all their names I would tell them they were great!
Cynthia H.
Every time I call I wait a while but the staff are excellent and very helpful and thorough! Great physicians and nurse practitioners!
Leeann P.
Been seeing Dr Bologna for several years of my colonoscopies and GERD. He is very nice and explains everything .
Darla R.
Dr Saeed is so personable and friendly. She always greets me with a smile. She listens to what I have to say and treats me with respect. I receive wonderful care from her. I highly recommend her.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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