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

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6264 reviews

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Janice D.

Entire team friendly and helpful. Wait time to see Dr. Quallich was excellent. Dr. Quallich is a wonderful doctor. He spends the time needed to be sure you understand him and if you have any questions.

Tom and Diane R.

Everyone there were every nice and helpful. Also Dr. Willie greeted me with a handshake and smile, which made me relax even more. Thank You again for making my time you go by fast. Tom Rakowski

Renee D.

Very convenient location. They were on time and I appreciated it since I was starving! The nurses and Phil B. absolutely awesome! Professional, friendly, positive and I loved my physician who performed the procedure. I will go back as necessary and refer to friends and family without a doubt!

Brittany T.

Took me immediately, didn't have to wait. Dr came in pretty quickly after I saw the nurse. Took my concerns seriously and scheduled my procedure within 2 weeks.

Sheela

The staff was professional kind and caring

Madeline

Physician’s Assistant was very helpful and knowledgeable! Office staff made you feel welcome too!

Dvorah N.

First time at this facility in Macomb. I always go to the center in Troy. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was taken in a very timely manner for the procedure. Everyone was accommodating with my concerns and questions prior and following the procedure. It was an unexpected pleasant experience overall.

Lewis M.

This office is one of the most professional establishments I have been to. Dr. Parthia S. Nandi , the nurses and staff are excellent.They explain everything to you where you can understand it and also give you comfort before and after the procedure. I recommend the Center for Digestive Health to everyone that is having a digestive procedure.

Robert H.

I've been through a number of medical procedures in my 70 years but this is my first time I can honestly say your staff is easily the most friendly and professional group I've experienced. Thank you to everyone.

Sandra T.

I recently had a colonoscopy performed by Dr. Donat at the Center for Digestive Health in Troy and I was very impressed with the staff, nurses and Dr. Donat. My procedure was painless and I was treated so kindly and I was very comfortable. After the procedure I was given a copy of the pictures of my colon explaining what the Dr. performed and he did come to me in the recovery room and explained everything, leaving me very relieved and informed. The nurses and Anesthesiologist were so kind and comforting. I would recommend this center to all my family and friends for all their surgical needs.

LuCritia B.

Everyone from the time I checked in to the time I left was so helpful. Again thank you all so very much.

Ravi B.

The pdf directions were clear step by step. The pre calls and adding Endoscopy with my primary care doctor’s phone call was flexible and able get it done Colonoscopy and Endoscopy at the same time and on time was excellent. Post service calls are nice. Like the remainders a few days before and on the night before the procedure. The staff was friendly, professional, on time, courteous and painless procedure. Dr. Desai was energetic and encouraging before and after the procedure, explaining some details, indicating a follow up and provided a brief color report, which was nice. Overall, nice place and nice atmosphere and highly recommenced. Thanks

Brenda S.

There very pleasant, caring group of people..I injoyed talking with the Dr.

Gwen S.

All went smoothly, appointment was on time, staff cordial, office clean

Frederick S.

Great experience as always from the Doctors, PA and staff

Richard W.

I have been a patient of Dr Bologna for over 10 years and multiple procedures. I always appreciate both the time he spends with me and how thorough when going over the results. He also has the some of the most compassionate and kind staff when going through these procedures.

Kimber B.

Dr Weber is excellent - I highly recommend him. Very knowledgeable and great bed side manner.

Diane F.

Dr. Bakken in very professional, answers questions, and makes you feel very comfortable. She is the best.

Terri S.

Very nice facility with friendly, efficient staff.

Robert N.

Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff.

chris C.

From being greeted at the Reception area, all the Nurses and Dr. Sante Bologna my experience was excellent. I have been going every 5 years and my experience is always professional and friendly.

Kami J.

Everyone was great. They made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Dr. Bakken was absolutely amazing.

John R. W.

Everyone was efficient and incredibly nice. Dr. Wille was very personable and professional. Thanks to everyone there for making it a good experience.

Don M.

Awesome staff and doctor. Couldn't be more pleased.

Curated C.

Excellent customer service! Went for my first colonoscopy and they made it a comforting experience. Everyone was nice and thorough and very supportive. I will go back again!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6269 reviews

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bernard G.

Doctor was very knowledgeable and advised me what he thinks is the best treatment for me .

Nancy F.

Wonderful ,caring,informative and best of all...they make you feel special or better yet...MARVELOUS!! 😉

Dr. Willie was great and the entire experience from scheduling to prep to recovery was as pleasant as it could be. The entire staff is also very friendly and helpful.

Dave G.

Professional, friendly, attentive. Just not enough positive adjectives to describe. Thanks

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.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

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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