Helicobacter pylori symptoms

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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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Can Helicobacter pylori infection recur after treatment?

Helicobacter pylori, once treated, does not recur, but it is possible to be infected again after the treatment is completed. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, so it is important to be cautious during communal meals. Due to the Chinese dietary habit of sharing dishes using the same chopsticks, it is easy to spread Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, it is advisable to use serving chopsticks, which can significantly reduce the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori. If reinfected with Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to undergo eradication treatment again. The treatment involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, totaling a 14-day treatment. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary precautions are also needed, focusing on a light, easily digestible diet, and avoiding difficult-to-digest foods.

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How to eradicate Helicobacter pylori

The spontaneous clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori infection is extremely low, meaning that it is almost impossible to cure itself. If not treated medically, it may lead to a lifelong infection. Currently, the consensus both domestically and internationally on handling Helicobacter pylori is that eradication requires combination therapy with multiple drugs, categorized into triple therapy and quadruple therapy, with a treatment duration of 2 weeks. Triple therapy consists of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus two antibiotics. We currently use quadruple therapy, which includes two antibiotics, a gastric mucosal protectant, and a proton pump inhibitor. The choice of these drugs is complex. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin; in cases of bacterial resistance, we recommend using furazolidone or tetracycline. Specific medications should be consulted in detail with a doctor. After the treatment course, we need to assess whether the eradication was successful, with a re-examination one month after stopping the drugs. After the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the rate of reinfection in adults is very low, but the reinfection rate in children is somewhat higher than in adults. Not everyone infected with Helicobacter pylori needs eradication; it is necessary only for those with ulcers, erosion, atrophy, or related symptoms.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
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Is a gastroscopy examination accurate for detecting Helicobacter pylori?

Gastroscope testing for Helicobacter pylori is conducted under a gastroscope and is quite accurate. However, nowadays, if one is only testing for Helicobacter pylori, it generally does not require an endoscopic examination, since undergoing a gastroscope is an uncomfortable process that can cause nausea. Currently, Helicobacter pylori can be detected using a breath test method involving carbon-13 or carbon-14. This involves swallowing a capsule and then performing a breath test. It is crucial to fast before the test, as eating can affect the accuracy of the results. Therefore, although gastroscope testing for Helicobacter pylori is accurate, it is less commonly used nowadays.

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Can you kiss during the treatment period for Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is advisable to avoid kissing, as Helicobacter pylori may be present in saliva, and kissing could transmit the infection to a partner. Also, avoid consuming strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and other spicy and irritant foods. Eat regularly and in moderation, chew slowly, and consume easily digestible foods along with fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as apples, bananas, tomatoes, and kiwis. It is recommended to use separate meals during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection to prevent transmission.

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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.