What is the reason that Helicobacter pylori treatment causes black stools?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 22, 2025
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 12sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori?

After Helicobacter pylori infection, many patients show no symptoms, while others may develop chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer as a result of the infection, manifesting symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, burping, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and indigestion. Therefore, if you are infected with Helicobacter pylori and experience the above symptoms, it is recommended to undergo a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. After a clear diagnosis, treatment can be tailored to the specific disease. A 14-day eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori is recommended, involving a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, for a total treatment duration of 14 days. Dietary suggestions include eating divided meals and using serving chopsticks, which can significantly reduce the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of children infected with Helicobacter pylori?

Children infected with Helicobacter pylori typically show no symptoms initially, but may later develop chronic gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. Clinical manifestations mainly include vomiting, nausea, abdominal distension, acid reflux, and abdominal pain, and may even present symptoms such as bloody stools or vomiting blood. If a child is infected with Helicobacter pylori but exhibits mild symptoms, treatment can focus solely on the infection. However, if there are gastrointestinal ulcers or repeated gastrointestinal discomfort, treatment should include antibiotics along with medications that suppress stomach acid production. Treatment duration usually lasts about one to two months, depending on the specific condition of the child.

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Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
1min 43sec home-news-image

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 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 Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Can Helicobacter pylori cure itself?

Can Helicobacter pylori be self-healing? Helicobacter pylori is very stubborn; once infected, adults who do not undergo formal therapeutic interventions will be afflicted for life, meaning the cure rate is close to zero. Children, whose immune functions are not yet fully developed, may experience multiple exposures on the gastric mucosa and short-term colonization before Helicobacter pylori settles permanently, which could potentially lead to either colonization or loss of the bacteria. White populations have stronger immune resistance than colored populations. Tracking reports indicate that 50% of white children may lose the infection after contracting it, while only 4% of black children might. Generally, the infection rate is higher than the self-healing rate, indicating that Helicobacter pylori infections in adults are generally not self-resolving.