H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach or intestines and can cause inflammation. This often leads to symptoms like abdominal pain and burning, and it also raises the risk of developing ulcers and stomach cancer.
The presence of H. pylori may be suspected based on certain symptoms, but it can only be diagnosed with tests such as an endoscopy with biopsy or a urea breath test.
Treatment for H. pylori is done with medications such as omeprazole, clarithromycin, and/or amoxicillin, prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Following a healthy diet is also important, with a focus on vegetables and lean meats while avoiding spices and ultra-processed foods.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of H. pylori include:
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Stomach pain or burning
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Indigestion
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Frequent burping or gas
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Bloating
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Dark or bloody stools
In many cases, infection with Helicobacter pylori does not cause symptoms. However, when the bacteria damage the natural protective lining of the stomach and intestines, inflammation develops and symptoms appear.
Throat symptoms
H. pylori does not directly cause throat symptoms. However, when it leads to infection or inflammation in the stomach, it can cause throat irritation, a persistent dry cough, or the sensation of a lump in the throat.
Is H. pylori dangerous?
An infection with H. pylori is usually not serious. However, in some people it can cause complications such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, stomach cancer, and gastric MALT lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
H. pylori infection can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
How to confirm a diagnosis
Diagnosis of H. pylori infection is made by a gastroenterologist based on a person’s signs and symptoms.
To confirm infection, the doctor may recommend an upper endoscopy with H. pylori testing, where a small tissue sample from the stomach is also collected.
The tissue is sent to a lab for tests such as a urease test, culture, or histological evaluation. Other options include the urea breath test, blood test (serology), or stool antigen test.
How it is transmitted
H. pylori infection is very common and can spread through oral contact with saliva, or by eating food and drinking water contaminated with feces. However, the exact way it is transmitted is not fully understood.
To help prevent infection, good hygiene is essential. This includes washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom, and avoiding sharing utensils and cups with others.
Treatment options
Treatment for H. pylori is recommended only for people with ulcers, gastritis, stomach cancer, gastric lymphoma, or a family history of stomach cancer.
1. Medication for H. pylori
The main medications prescribed for treating H. pylori include:
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Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole, which help heal ulcers and make antibiotics more effective
Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, taken twice daily or as directed by a doctor. It is important to follow treatment carefully to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics.
2. Natural options for H. pylori
Some natural remedies may complement medical treatment by helping relieve symptoms, but they should never replace proper treatment. Examples include:
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Cranberry juice
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Turmeric
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Licorice tea
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Green tea
3. Diet for H. pylori
A diet for H. pylori, guided by a nutritionist, should be low in fat and focus on easy-to-digest foods, such as peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables, especially during active symptoms.
It is also important to eat 5 to 6 small meals per day, chew food thoroughly, eat slowly, and avoid coffee and alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
Some common questions people have about this condition include:
1. Can H. pylori be cured?
Yes. H. pylori can be cured with treatment prescribed by a doctor, using a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and medications to reduce stomach acid.
2. Can people with H. pylori eat pasta?
Yes. People with H. pylori can eat pasta. However, during active symptoms, refined grains like white pasta are better since they are easier to digest. Whole-grain pasta can be gradually reintroduced as symptoms improve and tolerance increases.
3. Does H. pylori appear in stool?
Yes. H. pylori can be present in stool, which is why stool antigen testing may be used to help diagnose infection.
4. How to know if H. pylori has been eliminated?
To confirm if H. pylori was eradicated after treatment, doctors may recommend follow-up tests such as the urea breath test or a stool antigen test.
5. Can people with H. pylori eat couscous?
Yes. People with H. pylori can eat couscous. However, since couscous is high in fiber, it should preferably be eaten when there are no active symptoms.
6. Can people with H. pylori eat tapioca?
Yes. Tapioca is easy to digest and contains no fiber, so it can be safely eaten by people with H. pylori.
7. Does H. pylori cause weakness?
H. pylori may cause weakness if the infection leads to iron-deficiency anemia.
8. Is H. pylori contagious?
Yes. H. pylori is contagious and can spread from person to person through contact with the saliva, stool, or vomit of an infected person.