H. pylori

The role of H. pylori, a small bacterium found in association with stomach and duodenal (small intestine) ulcers, is uncertain in GERD (backwashing of acid reflux and bile into the esophagus). Recent studies suggest that H. pylori might be protective in GERD and some strains of the bacterium may even decrease the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (cancer). The mechanism by which H. pylori may decrease reflux of acid and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma  in patients is uncertain. It may be due to H. pylori induced inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) with injury to the acid producing stomach cells. These injured cells eventually die, resulting in a decrease in acid production and therefore less acid reflux into the esophagus.