Is the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori uncomfortable?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 15, 2025
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The treatment process for Helicobacter pylori infection is not uncomfortable, primarily involving oral medication. Treatment options include a combination of two antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, metronidazole, etc., alongside a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or lansoprazole, and the addition of bismuth citrate. This forms a quadruple therapy administered over two weeks to eradicate the infection. During treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume a diet rich in vitamins, incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits. It is important to eat regularly, avoid overeating or consuming oily, spicy, and irritating foods. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Can a gastroscopy examine Helicobacter pylori?

Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori? Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria, thus it cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, recent research shows that Helicobacter pylori is closely related to certain mucosal appearances observed under endoscopy. Therefore, endoscopists can infer the infection of Helicobacter pylori based on certain mucosal appearances. However, if a patient is just testing for Helicobacter pylori infection, there is no need for a gastroscopy. We can choose some non-invasive methods such as the carbon-13 breath test, carbon-14 breath test, stool antigen test, and serological antibody test, which are commonly used detection methods. Moreover, after treatment for Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to choose the carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath test, as they are quite accurate.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in China is very high, exceeding 50%. It is related to the dietary structure in China, often linked significantly to the practice of sharing dishes during meals, which correlates with China's dietary habits. If someone tests positive for Helicobacter pylori and has symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as indigestion, stomach pain, or bloating, then it is necessary to undergo treatment for Helicobacter pylori. The current standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori involves quadruple therapy: a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. This combination of medications is administered over a period of 14 days, representing the standardized treatment for Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.

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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
1min home-news-image

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.