Reactions during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 17, 2025
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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
45sec home-news-image

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.

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

The treatment of duodenal ulcer accompanied by Helicobacter pylori infection begins primarily with anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy. The regimen includes a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, lasting a total of 14 days. In addition, for duodenal ulcers, it is necessary to use acid-suppressing and stomach-protecting medications to promote gastric mobility and protect the gastric mucosa, with the treatment course lasting six weeks. At the same time, it is important to focus on a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as avoiding strong tea, coffee, spicy, irritating, fried, grilled, raw, cold, and sweet foods. It is also crucial to avoid adverse emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, and stress, prevent excessive fatigue or staying up late, and it is advised to moderately increase physical activity.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Do you need to change your toothbrush when treating Helicobacter pylori?

It is recommended to change your toothbrush during the treatment period for Helicobacter pylori. This is because Helicobacter pylori exists not only in the stomach but can also be detected in the saliva, dental plaque, and tongue coating of the mouth. Once infected with Helicobacter pylori, a two-week quad therapy that includes bismuth agents is necessary to eradicate the infection. After eradication, the bacteria might still be present on the toothbrush, which could lead to a recurring infection. Therefore, it is advised that patients change their toothbrush after undergoing treatment for Helicobacter pylori. Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori should undergo the two-week quad therapy including bismuth agents for treatment.

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

The examination with a gastroscope mainly focuses on checking for any damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus. It can detect gastritis, gastric ulcers, or stomach cancer. For some patients who might have a tendency toward cancerous changes, a pathological examination can be conducted. However, testing for Helicobacter pylori with a gastroscope requires a separate lab test. Therefore, routine gastroscopic examinations generally do not include testing for Helicobacter pylori. If testing for Helicobacter pylori is needed, it is a separate examination item. Nowadays, since undergoing a gastroscopy can be quite uncomfortable and cause symptoms like nausea for some people, testing for Helicobacter pylori is accurately conducted using a breath test.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How long does Helicobacter pylori resistance last?

Helicobacter pylori resistance generally develops around two weeks. If Helicobacter pylori shows resistance, it is advisable to consider adjusting the treatment using other antibiotics. The eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection generally involves a two-week quadruple therapy with a bismuth-containing regimen. Furthermore, one month after stopping the eradication treatment, it is necessary to recheck with a carbon-13 breath test or a carbon-14 breath test to confirm effective eradication. Helicobacter pylori infection can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, and malignant tumors in the stomach, among other issues.