How to treat Helicobacter pylori positivity?

Written by Wang Jing Bin
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 19, 2024
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A positive test for Helicobacter pylori requires distinguishing the specific method used for detection. If it is a positive result from a Helicobacter pylori antibody test, a breath test, including both the Carbon-14 and Carbon-13 breath tests, should be conducted. If the breath test comes back positive, further examinations are necessary, including gastroscopy and analysis of Helicobacter pylori virulence factors. The analysis of virulence factors can help determine if the Helicobacter pylori infection is highly toxic. If positive, it may indicate a potential for severe gastric diseases and necessitate treatment. For individuals with a positive Helicobacter pylori breath test, a gastroscopy is also recommended, as it is the only way to precisely determine the type of gastric disease present, such as ulcers or gastritis. Depending on the gastroscopy results, some individuals may need eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori, especially those with a history of gastric ulcers, a family history of gastric cancer, gastric polyps, erosive gastritis, or gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Others, if the virulence factor analysis is negative, might not require immediate treatment for Helicobacter pylori. However, if a patient insists on treatment for Helicobacter pylori, it can be considered, but it must be clear that there are risks involved and that the treatment should be conducted properly. Finally, treatment for Helicobacter pylori is not recommended for minors, i.e., individuals under 18 years of age.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Since Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium, it cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, current research indicates that Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with certain mucosal appearances under endoscopy. Therefore, endoscopists can infer the presence of an infection based on certain mucosal appearances observed during the procedure. However, if the only purpose is to test for Helicobacter pylori infection without needing a gastroscopy, then we can opt for non-invasive methods such as the carbon-13 urea breath test, carbon-14 urea breath test, stool antigen test, and serological antibody tests, which are commonly used methods of testing. Moreover, after treatment for Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to use either the carbon-13 or carbon-14 urea breath test for examination.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the early symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. Infection with Helicobacter pylori may result in symptoms such as upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, bad breath, and indigestion. A carbon-14 breath test can confirm a Helicobacter pylori infection. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. If an infection is present and symptoms or diseases of the digestive system occur, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The treatment regimen consists of a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, adjusted to a 14-day course.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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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Can I eat chocolate while treating Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is permissible to eat chocolate, but it is also advisable not to consume too much chocolate. During the treatment period, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, etc. It is beneficial to eat easily digestible foods and fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as apples, bananas, and kiwis. Since chocolate is not considered a spicy and irritating food, it is permissible to eat chocolate during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, during this period, it is also important to avoid overeating and to chew food slowly and thoroughly.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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Which department checks for Helicobacter pylori?

Current research suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary cause of various gastric diseases. It is best to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital to check for Helicobacter pylori, where a Carbon-14 breath test can be conducted to determine the amount of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. If there is a high quantity of bacteria, or if there are gastrointestinal diseases present, one might consider a treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This generally involves the use of two types of antibiotics along with a gastric mucosal protector or a medication that inhibits stomach acid secretion. It is also important to regularly follow up, maintain a regular diet, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.