There is currently no evidence to suggest that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, as H. pylori has similar symptoms, some people may confuse the condition for IBS.

A large 2020 study in Taiwan found that people in hospital with a H. pylori infection were more likely to also have IBS symptoms. However, the study did not find a correlation between the two conditions.

Several other studies have found that there is no evidence that H. pylori can lead to the development of IBS. H. pylori may cause similar symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain, that some people may confuse for IBS.

Further research is still necessary to confirm if there is a possible link between H. pylori and IBS.

If you have H. pylori and believe you may also be experiencing symptoms of IBS, it’s important to speak with a doctor. They can confirm if your symptoms are IBS or the result of an underlying condition. They can also create a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs and medical history.

Treating H. pylori is often an effective way to relieve any associated symptoms of IBS.

First-line treatment for H. pylori is known as triple therapy, which involves:

It can typically take 14 days of treatment for symptoms to ease.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms don’t go away or worsen.