H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that can lodge in the stomach or small intestine and eats away at the protective mucus lining. Without this lining, the stomach or intestinal tissue is exposed to acid every time you eat, causing inflammation and damage. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and burning. Having H. Pylori also increases the risk of developing ulcers and cancer.
This type of infection can be identified through an endoscopy, although the doctor may also opt to obtain a biopsy or perform a urease test during this procedure, which are other ways to confirm diagnosis.
Omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin, are the main types of medication prescribed for the treatment of H. Pylori, but it is also important to follow a diet that is rich in vegetables and white meat to help to relieve symptoms. Sauces, seasonings, and processed foods should also be avoided. Learn more about what to eat and what to avoid when you have H. Pylori.
Main symptoms
Common symptoms of H. Pylori include:
- Pain or burning sensation in the stomach;
- Lack of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Very dark stools or stools with blood.
It is very common to have an H. Pylori infection without presenting with any symptoms. However, since this type of bacteria gradually destroys the mucus lining that protects the inner walls of the stomach and intestine, and therefore H. pylori symptoms may appear over time.
Please note that this symptom checker is only a guidenace tool, and does not replace an assessment or provide an official diagnosis.
Confirming a diagnosis
An H. pylori diagnosis is confirmed by a family doctor gastroenterologist and starts with evaluating the signs and symptoms that the patient presents with. The doctor may then order an endoscopy to assess the upper digestive tract, during which a small sample of stomach tissue may also be collected for lab analysis.
The sample collected from the endoscopy can undergo several tests, like a culture to look for bacteria, a urease test, or a microscopy to assess cellular structure.. In addition, a urea breath test, a blood test or stool test may also be performed as part of the assessment.
How is it transmitted
H. pylori infection is fairly common; there is evidence that it can be transmitted through saliva or oral contact with water or food that has come into contact with contaminated feces, but its transmission has not yet been fully clarified.
So, to prevent this type infection, it is very important to follow careful hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before eating or after going to the bathroom, and avoiding the sharing of cutlery and cups with other people.
Treatment options
Treatment for H. Pylori infection is usually only indicated in the presence of some situations, such as:
- Peptic ulcer;
- Gastritis;
- Intestinal carcinoma, or gastric lymphoma;
- Symptoms, such as discomfort, burning or stomach pain;
- Family history of gastric cancer.
Therefore, if the bacteria isn't causing any type of problem, chances are that treatment is not necessary. This is because the unnecessary use of antibiotics increases the chances of bacteria resistance and causes side effects.
Medication to treat H. pylori
The most commonly prescribed medication to treat H. pylori infection is the combination of proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, Ianzoprazole, pantoprazole, or rabeprazole, with antibiotics, usually clarithromycin 500mg, amoxicillin 1000mg, or metronidazole 500mg, which can be used separately or as a combination pill, such as Pyloripac.
This treatment should be done for a period of 7 - 14 days, twice a day, or as prescribed. This medication regimen must be followed strictly to avoid the development of drug resistant bacteria.
Other antibiotic options that can be used in cases of treatment-resistant infections are bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, tinidazole, or levofloxacin.
Home remedies
There are some natural alternatives you can use to complement your medical treatment. These may help to manage stomach symptoms and control the spread of bacteria, however they do not replace your prescribed treatment.
The consumption of zinc-rich foods such as oysters, meats, wheat germ, and whole grains, for example, help to strength the immune system, speed-up the healing of ulcers, and decrease stomach inflammation.
Food that can help eliminate bacteria in the stomach are natural yogurt (because it is rich in probiotics), or thyme and ginger, as these have antibacterial properties.
There are also foods that may help to control acidity and lessen the discomfort caused by gastritis, such as bananas and potatoes.