Helicobacter pylori infection physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Common physical examination findings associated with H. pylori infection include fatigue, abdominal pain, conjunctival pallor and abdominal tenderness.

Common physical examination findings associated with H. pylori infection may include:

Appearance of patient

Patients with H. pylori infection appear fatigued and in distress if associated with abdominal pain.

Vital signs

• Vital signs generally appear to be normal.
• If associated with GI bleed, Vital signs include:

• Tachycardia

Skin

• Pallor

HEENT

• On examination of eyes, conjunctival pallor may be seen.

Heart

• Chest tenderness may be present on palpation
• S1 and S2 are normal

Abdominal examination

• Abdominal tenderness
• No hepatosplenomegaly
• Normal bowel sounds

Rectal examination

• Rectal examination should be performed to diagnose other causes of GI bleeding.