Can gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium, hence it is invisible to the naked eye. However, during a gastroscopy, the gastroenterologist can infer whether a patient is infected with Helicobacter pylori by observing the mucosal appearance under the endoscope. For example, signs such as the disappearance of damages in the tiny veins, nodular changes resembling chicken skin, scattered congested spots, and others. To confirm the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection, further tests are required. For instance, during a gastroscopy, a rapid urease test can be conducted where a tissue sample from the stomach is tested - this method is quite convenient. Alternatively, a tissue sample can be sent for pathological examination, which might take longer.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is Helicobacter pylori a serious illness?

Helicobacter pylori is not a major disease, so patients do not need to be overly anxious and worried. Once an infection of Helicobacter pylori is detected, patients can consider visiting the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital. The choice of medication should be based on the doctor's experience. Also, the use and dosage of the medication should be followed according to the doctor's instructions. For the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, it is recommended to use a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate the infection. During the treatment period, it is advisable to avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and also to avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. Avoid overeating and eat small, easily digestible meals more frequently. (Please follow the doctor’s prescription when using medication.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Helicobacter pylori symptoms

Helicobacter pylori itself is just a bacterium, often parasitizing the stomach or oral cavity of the human body. It cannot be said that Helicobacter pylori has symptoms, but rather that symptoms may occur after being infected by Helicobacter pylori. Many normal people infected with Helicobacter pylori may not exhibit any discomfort. However, if Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis or peptic ulcers, etc., related symptoms may appear. For instance, abdominal pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, and so on; in cases of peptic ulcers, corresponding symptoms, such as periodic, recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain associated with eating and so forth, may also occur and will need to be determined based on the specific situation.

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

Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in China is very high, exceeding 50%. It is related to the dietary structure in China, often linked significantly to the practice of sharing dishes during meals, which correlates with China's dietary habits. If someone tests positive for Helicobacter pylori and has symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as indigestion, stomach pain, or bloating, then it is necessary to undergo treatment for Helicobacter pylori. The current standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori involves quadruple therapy: a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. This combination of medications is administered over a period of 14 days, representing the standardized treatment for Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can drinking clove water cure Helicobacter pylori?

Drinking clove-infused water is not an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori. For effective treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to use a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. You can choose one type of proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, etc., combined with two of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and furazolidone, and either bismuth citrate or bismuth pectin to form a quadruple therapy. Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic bacterium. If infected with Helicobacter pylori, it may cause gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer, and other diseases. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Reactions during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, there usually isn't significant discomfort, but a small number of patients may experience upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms after taking antibiotics. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori requires a two-week quadruple therapy including a bismuth-containing agent. During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is recommended to consume fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, avoid spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and drinking, and avoid strong tea and coffee. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid overeating and drinking excessively during the treatment period.