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

Shana H.
Great communicators, everyone on staff is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and full of useful information.
Stephanie M. P.
Dr. Quallich and the entire staff are amazing and have such a great bedside manner. Very thankful for their compassion, attentiveness and professionalism!
Jean V.
Dr was on time. The staff made me very comfortable.
Mary Ann K.
I was so happy to sit and explain how my bowel was working and the difference between divaticlitis and divaticulois and my diet
Mark J.
Very courteous team and Dr. Quallich explained the procedure and advised of his findings. The staff also contacted me later to follow up on my status. Would highly recommend.
Jere R.
Prompt. Professional. Extremely Friendly. Caring. Doctor explained what was done, next steps and follow-up visit.
Chris P.
Everything went well. To the Doctor and the staff 👍.
Cookie
I don’t understand negative reviews. Schedule people were very kind, receptionist was kind, my nurse was amazingly kind . Dr. Bewick and her technical assistants were so kind. As a former medical person, I agree that patients need to take some responsibilities for their attitudes and behavior. These people are trying to give us the best possible results. I was given excellent directions (which I followed to the T). My first colonoscopy and very scared, but this staff, was wonderful! Will see them in 3 years.
C “E” L.
Romeo Plank location was perfect. Reception greeted me promptly and staff was so nice. The nurses were thorough and fast. Dr. Bologna was 100. I was in and out. Every staff member treated me with care and kindness.
Amy V.
I don't have one bad thing to say! From scheduling to making sure my order was faxed over, they didn't waste anytime. This can be a time consuming appointment and they did it efficiently and with kindness, most of all!
Rosalee O.
Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!
Carolyn T.
My appointment was on time everything went along efficiently. My PA was informative and interested in me.
Bill M.
I was treated extremely well and promptly. The Doctor and the nurses and other staff were very responsive and aware of my needs. I would highly recommend them.
Sherri G.
Dr. Nandi is truly amazing! He makes you feel completely at ease, listens carefully to your needs, and explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand. For the first time, I feel comfortable and confident about having a colonoscopy, I’m actually looking forward to my procedure and will follow up to share my experience. Dr. Nandi and his team genuinely care about their patients, and it shows in every interaction. He takes the time to discuss your health thoroughly and works with you to create a clear plan for moving forward. The staff is equally wonderful, so friendly, kind, and supportive. I’m very grateful for Dr. Nandi and his entire team. Their compassion and dedication make all the difference!
Mitch M.
Very nice people there and was only sitting for maybe 5 mins. before I was called back. Very helpful and all a bunch of friendly and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this place and will come back here for my next one …Thank you to all the nurses and tech for making this experience a little more pleasant..😊
Edward P.
Dr. Nandi is awesome! He is an excellent gastroenterologist! He gives a very complete and detailed explanation of my diagnosis and treatment plan. He is very compassionate and cares deeply for his patients. He is very knowledgable in his field and in other medical advise. I highly recommend Dr. Nandi! The Staff is always caring and dedicated to patients. The Staff is also very knowledgeable. The facility is very clean. I have seen D. Nandi for many years. I also have other family members who see the other physicians. They are all great! Linda P.
Shawn S.
My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"
Adam C.
Top notch patient care
Karen O.
I had an absolutely excellent experience! I was there for a Colonoscopy and I was nervous. Everyone was friendly and happy! Sorry I can't remember all the names, I remember Chris who set me up. Dr. Bakken was fabulous and really made me comfortable. It went quickly, I got there at 6:40 and was on my way home by 7:50. I would highly recommend this place!
Geri M.
Wonderful people and a great Dr
Dianne B.
The nurses who helped prep me for my colonoscopy last Friday morning were angels, explaining everything as they went and carefully making sure I was comfortable and calm. Thank you; your kindness was noticed and appreciated. Dr Nandi as always was the perfect mix of professional and funny. Great experience all around.
Mark Wilson S.
The staff was very professional and efficient. My time at the facility was less than 2 hours and the doctor’s summary of the results was detailed and he answered all my questions and concerns. I’m so glad I went through with this procedure!
Liz M.
The staff is great and made me feel very comfortable. I always have Dr Donat do my procedures, have been going to him for over 15 years.
Martin G.
Dr Donat was helpful and kind. I would recommend him to anyone!
Gene F.
Nicolette VanMaldeghem was very knowledgeable and spent a lot of time with me unlike many other doctors who can't wait to get out of the room.,
Ron Z.
Everyone was excellent to work with. Dr. Webber explained everything before and after procedure. Thanks for the great care.
Mazen D.
Everyone was courteous and professional from scheduling to the procedure itself and afterwards. They made an unpleasant experience tolerable. Thank you to all. Highly recommend.
Monique R.
Absolutely wonderful experience from scheduling to the procedure itself. Staff are caring and professional and Dr. Bakken is absolutely the best. I highly recommend CDH for any GI related issues.
Mona B.
Love Dr. Bakken.

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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