Can Helicobacter pylori infection heal itself?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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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 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 9sec home-news-image

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 Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
1min home-news-image

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
1min 3sec home-news-image

Is Helicobacter pylori three pluses serious?

Three pluses for Helicobacter pylori indicate that there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, and the level of infection is not low. Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. If a person tests positive for Helicobacter pylori infection, and has symptoms or diseases related to the digestive system, or has a family history of stomach cancer, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The treatment involves a proton pump inhibitor plus two types of antibiotics, along with a bismuth agent, for a total of 14 days. After stopping the medication for one month, a carbon-14 breath test should be re-conducted. If the result turns negative, it means that the eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori was successful. If it does not turn negative, remedial treatment is required.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.