Complications associated with H. pylori infection may include:
Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) and duodenum (duodenitis)
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Anemia due to bleeding ulcers
Bleeding ulcers
Perforation of the GI tract
MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma. People with H. pylori may be more likely to develop this condition.
MALT is rare, but often quickly regresses once H. pylori is treated.
The potential for lymphoma and cancer associated with H. pylori is one of the most important reasons for being treated! It is crucial once a diagnosis of H. pylori is made that you be treated, finish your course of treatment, and have follow-up testing done to ensure eradication of the bacteria to reduce your risk of lymphoma and stomach cancer associated with untreated H. pylori.
Stomach cancer
H. pylori may increase your risk for certain types of stomach cancer.
Research suggest eradication reduces stomach cancer risk.