Doctor's Notes on H. pylori Infection (Helicobacter Pylori)
Most people with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infections have no symptoms. For those individuals who do have symptoms and signs, they may have
- burning upper abdominal pain,
- appetite loss,
- burping,
- black, tarry stools,
- fatigue,
- nausea,
- vomiting, and
- possibly blood in the GI tract.
People who do have symptoms and signs and are infected with H. pylori usually have gastritis and/or ulcers.
The cause of H. pylori is probably its transmission from person to person although the exact transmission mode is not known. However, researchers find most people become infected as children, and they speculate, get the organism by saliva and/or fecal contamination during childhood.
What Are the Treatments for H. pylori Infections?
The treatment of H. pylori infections usually requires at least two different antibiotics to keep the bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance. For example, metronidazole plus tetracycline antibiotics is a combination suggested by the CDC.
At the same time, an acid-suppressing drug is recommended to promote stomach healing and include the following:
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
- Histamine blockers like cimetidine
- Ulcer coating like bismuth subsalicylate
Your doctor may get another set of tests to determine if the treatment was successful in removing H. pylori. If it is unsuccessful, another combination of drugs can be tried.
Pancreatitis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionPancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas.
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Vomiting and Nausea
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.