Helicobacter pylori infection


Can I take vitamins B1 and B12 during treatment for Helicobacter pylori?
During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is possible to consume Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12. The treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection can consider using a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate the infection. During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, one can also eat fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as kiwis, bananas, apples, etc. It is important to eat regularly and in moderation, consume light, easily digestible foods, and avoid overeating. Spicy and stimulative foods should be avoided, including strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. At the same time, patients with Helicobacter pylori infection should also ensure adequate rest.


Is long-term bad breath definitely caused by Helicobacter pylori?
Chronic bad breath may be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, but this is not always the case. Other causes of bad breath include dental issues, such as cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, stomach diseases can also cause bad breath, many of which are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. After ruling out dental diseases, it is recommended to undergo a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test for Helicobacter pylori infection is positive and accompanied by some stomach symptoms, such as upper abdominal bloating, burping, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting, it is advisable to undergo a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori. Generally, after treatment, the Helicobacter pylori can change from positive to negative.


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.


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.


Can you kiss during the treatment period for Helicobacter pylori?
During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is advisable to avoid kissing, as Helicobacter pylori may be present in saliva, and kissing could transmit the infection to a partner. Also, avoid consuming strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and other spicy and irritant foods. Eat regularly and in moderation, chew slowly, and consume easily digestible foods along with fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as apples, bananas, tomatoes, and kiwis. It is recommended to use separate meals during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection to prevent transmission.


Can Helicobacter pylori infection recur after treatment?
Helicobacter pylori, once treated, does not recur, but it is possible to be infected again after the treatment is completed. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, so it is important to be cautious during communal meals. Due to the Chinese dietary habit of sharing dishes using the same chopsticks, it is easy to spread Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, it is advisable to use serving chopsticks, which can significantly reduce the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori. If reinfected with Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to undergo eradication treatment again. The treatment involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, totaling a 14-day treatment. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, dietary precautions are also needed, focusing on a light, easily digestible diet, and avoiding difficult-to-digest foods.


What should I do if Helicobacter pylori infection is not cured after two treatments?
If Helicobacter pylori infection has not been cured after two treatments, it is necessary to consider the possibility of bacterial resistance or that the treatment was not standardized. It is advisable to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital. Based on the doctor's experience, it may be necessary to adjust the medication plan. The choice of specific medications and their dosage should be determined according to the doctor's prescription. During the treatment period, one should eat easily digestible food and avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as avoid drinking alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. It is also important to eat slowly and avoid overeating or drinking excessively.


Can I drink coffee during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori?
It is not recommended to drink coffee during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori. During the treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, maintain regular meals, and eat light, easily digestible foods. Avoid strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and also greasy foods. The main methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection are the carbon-13 urea breath test or the carbon-14 urea breath test. If the test results are positive, a standard eradication treatment using a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks should be implemented. Additionally, a re-examination is needed one month after discontinuing the medication to confirm whether the eradication is complete.


Why is there an increase in flatulence after the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?
After treatment for Helicobacter pylori, having more flatulence generally isn't directly related to the treatment, as the medication used includes proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, as well as bismuth citrate potassium. None of these drugs typically cause increased flatulence. If a patient experiences more flatulence after treatment, it might be due to functional dyspepsia. At this point, treating the condition with medications that regulate the gut flora, such as combined lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria, might be effective. If the increased flatulence persists, it is advisable to promptly undergo a digital colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)


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.