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 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 Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can a barium meal detect Helicobacter pylori?

The most commonly used test for detecting Helicobacter pylori at present is the breath test, which generally comes in two types: carbon-13 and carbon-14, though the testing method is basically fixed. A barium meal test can only detect whether there are large gastric ulcers or the presence of gastric cancer, but Helicobacter pylori is quite small and cannot be detected through a barium meal. Therefore, the detection of Helicobacter pylori typically relies on traditional methods, such as breath tests or tests performed during gastroscopy.

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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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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 Qu Chun Yao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can Helicobacter pylori tests be done during the pregnancy preparation stage?

During the preconception stage, it is possible to test for Helicobacter pylori, but if testing is to be conducted, breath tests should be avoided. This is because breath tests use carbon-14 or carbon-13, which are radioactive, making them unsuitable for women planning pregnancy. At this time, it is also important to weigh the pros and cons. If there are chronic gastric or duodenal ulcers, and the symptoms are quite apparent, it is necessary to conduct tests. It is advisable to postpone pregnancy, address the gastrointestinal diseases first, and then proceed with pregnancy. If there are gastric or duodenal diseases at such time, pregnancy could possibly exacerbate the condition.