Reactions during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 17, 2025
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During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, there usually isn't significant discomfort, but a small number of patients may experience upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms after taking antibiotics. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori requires a two-week quadruple therapy including a bismuth-containing agent. During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is recommended to consume fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, avoid spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and drinking, and avoid strong tea and coffee. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid overeating and drinking excessively during the treatment period.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is the reason that Helicobacter pylori treatment causes black stools?

If black stools occur during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is very likely due to the medication-induced black stools caused by taking potassium citrate bismuth or bismuth pectin. However, to rule out the possibility of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a fecal occult blood test can be conducted for a clear diagnosis. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection requires a two-week quadruple therapy that includes bismuth. At the same time, one should avoid overeating and focus on consuming fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and easy-to-digest foods. It is also advisable to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, etc.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
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Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori, once settled in the stomach and duodenum, can cause chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to reduced stomach digestive function. Over time, this may lead to chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even cause gastric cancer. So, what are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection? In cases of mild infection, where the bacteria count is low, there might be no obvious symptoms, with only bad breath occurring. If a high bacteria count causes an inflammatory reaction in the gastric mucosa, symptoms can include stomach bloating, stomach pain, acid reflux, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, along with nausea and bad breath.

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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 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 Si Li Li
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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.