Is it normal to experience vomiting during the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 05, 2025
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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.

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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.

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What should I do if I have a Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori is closely related to the occurrence of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer, but not everyone infected with Helicobacter pylori will develop chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. Infections can be diagnosed with a breath test, where values more than twice the normal level, accompanied by symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcers, stomach distension, stomach pain, and acid reflux, should be considered for antibacterial and stomach-protective treatment. Generally, with standard treatment, 90% of Helicobacter pylori can be eradicated within one to two weeks. However, reinfection is common as it can be found in food and utensils and transmitted through saliva. It is generally advised that children under 14 and individuals with low levels of Helicobacter pylori without obvious stomach inflammation symptoms do not require immediate treatment.

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Does the breath test for Helicobacter pylori require fasting?

Currently, the detection of Helicobacter pylori is highly accurate and specific, and a rapid, simple, and effective method is the Carbon-14 breath test. The Carbon-14 breath test requires no eating within six hours, so it is best to take it on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is preferable to test for Helicobacter pylori on an empty stomach. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. Helicobacter pylori is the principal cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastric cancer. Therefore, if symptoms of the digestive system occur, such as belching, acid reflux, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and poor appetite, it is advisable to conduct a test for Helicobacter pylori, specifically the Carbon-14 breath test, to confirm the infection of Helicobacter pylori.

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Can drinking clove water cure Helicobacter pylori?

Drinking clove-infused water is not an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori. For effective treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to use a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. You can choose one type of proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, etc., combined with two of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and furazolidone, and either bismuth citrate or bismuth pectin to form a quadruple therapy. Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic bacterium. If infected with Helicobacter pylori, it may cause gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric cancer, and other diseases. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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What should I do if I feel uncomfortable in my stomach and intestines after treatment for Helicobacter pylori?

The main reason for discomfort in the stomach and intestines after treatment for Helicobacter pylori might very likely be due to the consumption of clarithromycin, metronidazole, etc., as metronidazole, clarithromycin, and others can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is recommended to take metronidazole, clarithromycin, and other similar medications about half an hour after meals to reduce their side effects. If the patient experiences gastrointestinal discomfort, consider using medications that regulate the gut flora for treatment, such as compounded lactobacillus, bifidobacterium triple live bacteria, and bacillus coagulans, etc. If the stomach discomfort is quite severe, medications that protect the gastric mucosa, such as magnesium trisilicate or vitamin B6, may be taken. These medications can help alleviate the side effects of other drugs and reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Discomfort might also be due to incomplete healing. First, it is necessary to return to a regular hospital for a follow-up consultation. If the symptoms have not worsened, it is important to continue taking the prescribed medications as advised by the doctor. Recent dietary habits should include eating regularly, having smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. Rest should also be prioritized. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)