Is Helicobacter pylori a serious illness?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Helicobacter pylori is not a major disease, so patients do not need to be overly anxious and worried. Once an infection of Helicobacter pylori is detected, patients can consider visiting the gastroenterology department of a formal hospital. The choice of medication should be based on the doctor's experience. Also, the use and dosage of the medication should be followed according to the doctor's instructions. For the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, it is recommended to use a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate the infection. During the treatment period, it is advisable to avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and also to avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. Avoid overeating and eat small, easily digestible meals more frequently. (Please follow the doctor’s prescription when using medication.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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If Helicobacter pylori is not treated properly, will it become more severe?

Helicobacter pylori infection, if not treated properly, does not necessarily become more severe. However, if treatment fails, it is necessary to undergo re-treatment. It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a qualified gastroenterologist to adjust the treatment plan. The choice of specific medications, as well as their dosages and usage, should be carried out according to medical advice. During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is important to avoid overeating, maintain regular meal times and portions, consume easily digestible foods, and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. Spicy and irritating foods should be avoided.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Is a gastroscopy examination accurate for detecting Helicobacter pylori?

Gastroscope testing for Helicobacter pylori is conducted under a gastroscope and is quite accurate. However, nowadays, if one is only testing for Helicobacter pylori, it generally does not require an endoscopic examination, since undergoing a gastroscope is an uncomfortable process that can cause nausea. Currently, Helicobacter pylori can be detected using a breath test method involving carbon-13 or carbon-14. This involves swallowing a capsule and then performing a breath test. It is crucial to fast before the test, as eating can affect the accuracy of the results. Therefore, although gastroscope testing for Helicobacter pylori is accurate, it is less commonly used nowadays.

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

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium, hence it is invisible to the naked eye. However, during a gastroscopy, the gastroenterologist can infer whether a patient is infected with Helicobacter pylori by observing the mucosal appearance under the endoscope. For example, signs such as the disappearance of damages in the tiny veins, nodular changes resembling chicken skin, scattered congested spots, and others. To confirm the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection, further tests are required. For instance, during a gastroscopy, a rapid urease test can be conducted where a tissue sample from the stomach is tested - this method is quite convenient. Alternatively, a tissue sample can be sent for pathological examination, which might take longer.

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

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.