Can Helicobacter pylori infection heal itself?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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Helicobacter pylori infection generally does not heal on its own.

Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, which is very high. After being infected with Helicobacter pylori, most patients do not show any symptoms. However, some patients may develop chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and even stomach cancer due to Helicobacter pylori infection, presenting symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. These patients need to undergo gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Additionally, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, involving a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, along with a bismuth agent, totaling 14 days of treatment. If eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is not conducted, Helicobacter pylori will not heal on its own.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Why is there an increase in flatulence after the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?

After treatment for Helicobacter pylori, having more flatulence generally isn't directly related to the treatment, as the medication used includes proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, as well as bismuth citrate potassium. None of these drugs typically cause increased flatulence. If a patient experiences more flatulence after treatment, it might be due to functional dyspepsia. At this point, treating the condition with medications that regulate the gut flora, such as combined lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria, might be effective. If the increased flatulence persists, it is advisable to promptly undergo a digital colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Helicobacter pylori treatment for half a month, re-examination still positive, what could be the reason?

If a follow-up test for Helicobacter pylori is positive after half a month of treatment, it indicates that the treatment was not successful, and Helicobacter pylori is still present. At this point, it is necessary to adjust the medication plan and treat Helicobacter pylori again. The specific medication methods and treatment duration should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection requires the use of a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks to eradicate it. Additionally, the diet should include an increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided. (Please follow the doctor’s prescription for medication use.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is long-term bad breath definitely caused by Helicobacter pylori?

Chronic bad breath may be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, but this is not always the case. Other causes of bad breath include dental issues, such as cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, stomach diseases can also cause bad breath, many of which are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. After ruling out dental diseases, it is recommended to undergo a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test for Helicobacter pylori infection is positive and accompanied by some stomach symptoms, such as upper abdominal bloating, burping, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting, it is advisable to undergo a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori. Generally, after treatment, the Helicobacter pylori can change from positive to negative.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is erosive gastritis related to Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori infection has been confirmed as the primary cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Erosive chronic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis, thus there is a certain relationship between erosive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori, but not all chronic gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori; some are, but others are not. Therefore, if erosive gastritis occurs, it is necessary to conduct a carbon-14 breath test to determine whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a 14-day anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment should be administered. The treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. After treatment, most of the Helicobacter pylori will convert from positive to negative.

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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.