Is the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori uncomfortable?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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The treatment process for Helicobacter pylori infection is not uncomfortable, primarily involving oral medication. Treatment options include a combination of two antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, metronidazole, etc., alongside a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or lansoprazole, and the addition of bismuth citrate. This forms a quadruple therapy administered over two weeks to eradicate the infection. During treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume a diet rich in vitamins, incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits. It is important to eat regularly, avoid overeating or consuming oily, spicy, and irritating foods. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is it normal to experience vomiting during the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, vomiting may occur because the treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori involves the use of antibiotics such as clarithromycin and metronidazole. These antibiotics can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with stronger reactions may experience vomiting during the medication process. Therefore, it is recommended to take clarithromycin and metronidazole about half an hour after a meal. During the treatment period, patients infected with Helicobacter pylori should avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink more water, and consume light and easily digestible foods.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can Helicobacter pylori infection heal itself?

Helicobacter pylori infection generally does not heal on its own. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, which is very high. After being infected with Helicobacter pylori, most patients do not show any symptoms. However, some patients may develop chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and even stomach cancer due to Helicobacter pylori infection, presenting symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. These patients need to undergo gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, involving a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, along with a bismuth agent, totaling 14 days of treatment. If eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is not conducted, Helicobacter pylori will not heal on its own.

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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.

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

Normally, when conducting a gastroscopy, it is possible to test for Helicobacter pylori, but this method of detection is less commonly used in clinical practice nowadays, as it requires undergoing a gastroscopy, which can be quite distressing and may cause nausea and vomiting. Currently, the main method used in clinical practice for detecting Helicobacter pylori is the breath test, typically using carbon-13 or carbon-14. This involves swallowing a capsule and then blowing into a device to test for Helicobacter pylori infection. This method is more convenient, which is why it has increasingly replaced gastroscopy for detecting Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is the reason that Helicobacter pylori treatment causes black stools?

If black stools occur during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is very likely due to the medication-induced black stools caused by taking potassium citrate bismuth or bismuth pectin. However, to rule out the possibility of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a fecal occult blood test can be conducted for a clear diagnosis. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection requires a two-week quadruple therapy that includes bismuth. At the same time, one should avoid overeating and focus on consuming fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and easy-to-digest foods. It is also advisable to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, etc.