What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen produced in the stomach or oral cavity. It cannot be said that Helicobacter pylori causes any specific symptoms, rather, it is the infection of Helicobacter pylori that leads to a series of diseases presenting symptoms. Some people infected with Helicobacter pylori may not show any symptoms at all. If related diseases occur, such as gastritis or ulcers, symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting may appear. Additionally, some patients, like those with refractory iron deficiency anemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, may also have conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to treat Helicobacter pylori infection

Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. The carbon-14 breath test can be used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the infection is positive and is accompanied by some symptoms or diseases of the digestive system, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required. The treatment regimen consists of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, lasting for 14 days. After stopping the medication for a month, the carbon-14 breath test is rechecked to confirm whether the Helicobacter pylori has been converted to negative. If the conversion is negative, it indicates that the eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori was successful. Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer, thus if the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, eradication treatment is necessary.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
41sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

Can I drink coffee during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori?

It is not recommended to drink coffee during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori. During the treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, maintain regular meals, and eat light, easily digestible foods. Avoid strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and also greasy foods. The main methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection are the carbon-13 urea breath test or the carbon-14 urea breath test. If the test results are positive, a standard eradication treatment using a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks should be implemented. Additionally, a re-examination is needed one month after discontinuing the medication to confirm whether the eradication is complete.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
56sec home-news-image

Do normal people have Helicobacter pylori?

In my understanding, a “normal person” refers to individuals who do not experience any stomach discomfort. In our country, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori is extremely high, with reports indicating that over 50% of adults are infected, albeit asymptomatically. Thus, it is certain that many so-called "normal people" are infected with Helicobacter pylori, also known as asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori carriers. This condition also requires antibacterial treatment because there is a close relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. Even for patients with chronic superficial gastritis, if Helicobacter pylori is present, eradication therapy is advocated. If not completely eradicated, it often leads to the development of chronic atrophic gastritis, which is a more serious condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 1sec home-news-image

Does the breath test for Helicobacter pylori require fasting?

Currently, the detection of Helicobacter pylori is highly accurate and specific, and a rapid, simple, and effective method is the Carbon-14 breath test. The Carbon-14 breath test requires no eating within six hours, so it is best to take it on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is preferable to test for Helicobacter pylori on an empty stomach. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. Helicobacter pylori is the principal cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastric cancer. Therefore, if symptoms of the digestive system occur, such as belching, acid reflux, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and poor appetite, it is advisable to conduct a test for Helicobacter pylori, specifically the Carbon-14 breath test, to confirm the infection of Helicobacter pylori.