Does everyone have Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Helicobacter pylori is not present in everyone; the infection rate among the general population can reach about 60%. However, some people who are infected with Helicobacter pylori do not necessarily experience symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, stomach pain, or bad breath. Some people develop symptoms after being infected with Helicobacter pylori, and subsequently, when they visit a hospital for examination, the infection with this bacterium can be detected. Additionally, there are individuals who exhibit such symptoms but are not infected with Helicobacter pylori. In summary, not everyone is infected with Helicobacter pylori, and not everyone who is infected shows symptoms.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can a barium meal detect Helicobacter pylori?

The most commonly used test for detecting Helicobacter pylori at present is the breath test, which generally comes in two types: carbon-13 and carbon-14, though the testing method is basically fixed. A barium meal test can only detect whether there are large gastric ulcers or the presence of gastric cancer, but Helicobacter pylori is quite small and cannot be detected through a barium meal. Therefore, the detection of Helicobacter pylori typically relies on traditional methods, such as breath tests or tests performed during gastroscopy.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Can you eat sweets during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is permissible to eat sweets. During this period, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as avoid drinking strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and so on. It is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, as well as nutritious and light foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided, and meals should be regular and in measured quantities. Since sweet foods are not considered spicy or irritating, they can be consumed during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. After the treatment of a Helicobacter pylori infection, it is necessary to wait one month after stopping the medication before a follow-up examination to confirm whether the bacteria have been completely eradicated.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat Helicobacter pylori positive?

The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has already exceeded 50%, and Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. If Helicobacter pylori tests positive and is accompanied by symptoms or diseases of the digestive system, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The medication involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment period of 14 days. After the 14-day treatment, the medication should be discontinued for a month before rechecking with a carbon-14 breath test to confirm whether Helicobacter pylori has turned negative. If it has turned negative, it indicates that the eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori is successful. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, a diet easy to digest is recommended.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
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What should I do if I have a Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori is closely related to the occurrence of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer, but not everyone infected with Helicobacter pylori will develop chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. Infections can be diagnosed with a breath test, where values more than twice the normal level, accompanied by symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcers, stomach distension, stomach pain, and acid reflux, should be considered for antibacterial and stomach-protective treatment. Generally, with standard treatment, 90% of Helicobacter pylori can be eradicated within one to two weeks. However, reinfection is common as it can be found in food and utensils and transmitted through saliva. It is generally advised that children under 14 and individuals with low levels of Helicobacter pylori without obvious stomach inflammation symptoms do not require immediate treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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How many times a year should Helicobacter pylori be tested?

If Helicobacter pylori tests positive, then it is necessary to undergo standardized eradication treatment. A re-examination is needed one month after cessation of the eradication treatment to confirm whether the eradication was successful or the treatment failed. If the patient tests negative for Helicobacter pylori, then there is no need for repeated testing. Therefore, the frequency of testing for Helicobacter pylori within a year needs to be analyzed based on specific circumstances, using different testing methods and frequencies according to different situations. Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori should eat light, easily digestible foods, avoid overeating, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.