Do you need to change your toothbrush when treating Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on October 31, 2024
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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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat Helicobacter pylori positive?

The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has already exceeded 50%, and Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. If Helicobacter pylori tests positive and is accompanied by symptoms or diseases of the digestive system, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The medication involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment period of 14 days. After the 14-day treatment, the medication should be discontinued for a month before rechecking with a carbon-14 breath test to confirm whether Helicobacter pylori has turned negative. If it has turned negative, it indicates that the eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori is successful. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, a diet easy to digest is recommended.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Is erosive gastritis related to Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori infection has been confirmed as the primary cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Erosive chronic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis, thus there is a certain relationship between erosive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori, but not all chronic gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori; some are, but others are not. Therefore, if erosive gastritis occurs, it is necessary to conduct a carbon-14 breath test to determine whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a 14-day anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment should be administered. The treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. After treatment, most of the Helicobacter pylori will convert from positive to negative.

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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.

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Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
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Does everyone have Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is not present in everyone; the infection rate among the general population can reach about 60%. However, some people who are infected with Helicobacter pylori do not necessarily experience symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, stomach pain, or bad breath. Some people develop symptoms after being infected with Helicobacter pylori, and subsequently, when they visit a hospital for examination, the infection with this bacterium can be detected. Additionally, there are individuals who exhibit such symptoms but are not infected with Helicobacter pylori. In summary, not everyone is infected with Helicobacter pylori, and not everyone who is infected shows symptoms.

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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.