Most people believe their ulcers are caused by stress or spicy food, but 80% are actually the result of a Helicobacter pylori infection. It is a bacterium found in the digestive tract of half of the world's population and usually does not cause problems. The cause of this infection is unknown. If symptoms of an ulcer occur, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, it is possible that H. pylori. This bacterium is also associated with stomach cancer. The most common treatment for the infection is a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Getting a Diagnosis
Step 1. Look for the symptoms of the infection
An H. pylori infection presents symptoms similar to those of an ulcer. Most people who have H. pylori never experiences symptoms; scientists believe that some people may have natural resistance to the harmful effects of this bacterium. However, if you experience ulcer-like symptoms, they are probably caused by H. pylori. Here's what you need to pay attention to:
- Abdominal pain, usually described as pain or a burning sensation
- Pain when the stomach is empty
- Gastric reflux
- Nausea
- Bloody or black and tarry stools
- Blood in the vomit
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Stomach stiffness (peritonitis) in severe cases
Step 2. See your doctor
If symptoms are related to an H. pylori infection or another disorder, prolonged abdominal pain and other severe symptoms require treatment. The infection does not go away on its own, so it is important that your doctor can see you to check if the problem is due to this bacterium and start treatment to cure the stomach right away.
Although rarely, H. pylori infection can lead to stomach cancer. That is why it is essential not to overlook abdominal pain, bloody stools, and other signs related to infection
Step 3. Get tested to confirm the diagnosis
Talk to your doctor about your concerns about this disorder. The infection can be diagnosed through several tests, the doctor will choose the method that is most suitable for your symptoms and conditions. Taking an acid blocker such as Pepto Bismol can interfere with the accuracy of some tests. Your doctor will instruct you on when to stop taking anti-acids before testing. The tests that can be performed are the following:
- A breath test. This test involves ingesting carbon in pill or drink form. When this interacts with H. pylori, gases are released that can be detected in the breath. You do not need to take acid blockers to perform this test accurately as they can interfere with the results.
- A stool test. A sample is examined in the laboratory for any signs of H. pylori. Again, taking an acid blocker can interfere.
- A blood test. This can detect if you have had an infection in the past or if you currently have an active one.
- A gastroscopy. It is performed if the cause of the ulcer symptoms is not clear, if they are due to H. pylori or other disorders.
- Many doctors will order one of these tests if your symptoms match those of an H. pylori infection.
Step 4. Have other family members take the test as well
H. pylori infection often spreads through poor sanitation practices. If you believe you have contracted it, other people living in the same environment as you should also be checked.
- This is important not only for the health of other family members, but also for preventing reinfection.
- This is especially important for spouses or other partners with whom you have sex. Bacteria can be transmitted through kissing via saliva.
Part 2 of 4: Receiving Treatment
Step 1. Take a course of antibiotics, if prescribed
Since the H. pylori is a bacterium, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics. In most cases, two different antibiotics are given at the same time. This is because the bacteria have the ability to become resistant to drugs. If this happens with one of the antibiotics you are taking, the second one can block the bacterium and ensure that the infection is eradicated.
- Amoxicillin, 2 grams 4 times a day, for one day, and Flagyl, 500 mg orally 4 times a day, for one day. This regimen is 90 percent effective.
- Biaxin, 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, and Amoxicillin, 1 gram orally twice daily for 7 days. This regimen is 80 percent effective.
- Children often take Amoxicillin, 50 mg / kg in divided doses, twice a day (up to a maximum of 1 gram twice a day) for 14 days. Together, Biaxin is also often prescribed, 15 mg / kg in divided doses twice a day (up to a maximum of 500 mg twice a day) for 14 days.
- It is important to follow the full course of antibiotics, even after symptoms have subsided. Your doctor prescribes the amount you need to kill the bacteria. Even if the symptoms subside, the infection may still be present in the body.
Step 2. Get acidity suppressants
While you are being treated with antibiotics, your doctor can probably advise you to take acid suppressants as well to prevent the ulcer from getting worse and give your stomach's protective lining time to heal.
- The stomach naturally produces acidic substances to aid digestion, but acid can cause further damage if you have an ulcer.
- Bismuth subsalicylate, or Pepto Bismol, which coats the ulcer to protect it from acidic substances, is usually prescribed or recommended. Doses and methods vary based on which antibiotics you are taking.
Step 3. Get some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
These drugs block acid production and are available with a prescription.
- In most cases, you will receive a prescription for Lansoprazole. The amount and frequency of doses will depend on the antibiotics you are taking.
- Children may be prescribed Omeprazole, 1 mg / kg divided twice a day (up to a maximum of 20 mg twice a day) for 14 days.
Step 4. Re-test one month later
Your doctor should prescribe a second course of testing 4 weeks later to make sure the H. pylori infection is gone. Make sure you follow your doctor's directions during treatment and before the second test session.
- Reinfection is a possibility that can arise if the infection has not been treated well. Confirmation occurs after four weeks of treatment.
- If severe symptoms occur during drug therapy, make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes antibiotics are not effective, because H. pylori develops resistance. If this is your case, a different type of antibiotic will be needed.
Part 3 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Don't rely on natural remedies alone
Keep in mind that natural treatments have not been scientifically proven to cure the infection, so you will still need drug treatment to treat it. Natural remedies, however, can help keep bacteria concentrations low, protect your gastrointestinal system, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall health.
Step 2. Eat broccoli
Studies have been conducted to determine if broccoli helps eliminate this bacterium. While consuming them regularly, they do not completely kill H. pylori, but reduce its population, which could prove useful in the case of H. pylori develops into a painful infection or cancer.
Eating a serving of broccoli several times a week can be a good choice
Step 3. Drink green tea
Studies have shown that green tea causes a significant reduction in H. pylori in people who drink it every day. It contains high levels of polyphenols, which inhibit the production of this bacterium.
- If you don't like its taste, you can take a green tea extract that has the same beneficial effects.
- Red wine also contains high levels of polyphenols and has similar beneficial effects to green tea.
Step 4. Eat probiotics
Probiotics are populations of beneficial bacteria that prevent harmful bacteria from taking over. Studies show that eating probiotics regularly can be a good natural way to keep H. pylori.
Yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and other fermented products contain probiotics
Part 4 of 4: Preventing H. Pylori Infection
Step 1. Wash your hands often
Although it is unclear exactly how H. pylori, one obvious thing is that it is easily passed on between people living together. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water every time you use the bathroom.
Use lukewarm water (around 50 ° C) and the equivalent of a teaspoon of liquid soap (not necessarily antibacterial). Wash your hands for 15-30 seconds
Step 2. Eat a balanced diet
Follow a diet containing adequate proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water - it will help keep you healthy. Having a strong immune system can reduce the risk of infection with many bacteria.
- The exact proportions vary based on weight, activity level, gender etc. Caloric intake should be around 2000 calories per day, with a large approximation. You get most of your calories from fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and grains, and from low-fat proteins.
- Even with a balanced diet, 67% of dieticians recommend dietary supplements. These nutritional supplements fill in the gaps that are not met by food.
Step 3. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C, in particular, is important for a healthy immune system. Many doctors recommend taking around 500 mg per day.
- Know that vitamin C is acidic and can irritate the stomach. A good idea is to get it through foods, such as melons, kale, citrus fruits, and red peppers.
- Because of its acidity, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about vitamin C supplements if you're getting treatments for an H. pylori infection.
Step 4. Avoid contact with saliva
Many studies suggest that H. pylori can be transmitted by saliva. If you know of someone who has this infection, avoid any contact with their saliva until it is confirmed that the treatment has been fully successful.
For example, if your partner is affected, avoid kissing him and don't exchange toothbrushes
Step 5. Take precautions when traveling overseas
Especially when traveling to countries with poor hygiene, you have to be careful about what you eat or drink.
- Consider drinking bottled water when visiting countries with poor water sanitation.
- Refrain from eating food of dubious origins at roadside kiosks. Eat only in restaurants with certified sanitation standards. Kitchen utensils should be washed in hot water (the hot one you can safely tolerate) with antibacterial soap.
- Using hand sanitizer can be helpful in these situations. Washing your hands with unclean water can do more harm than good.
Advice
- If your doctor wants to make sure the infection has been eradicated by offering you a follow-up test, he or she will likely recommend a breath test. Blood tests are not indicated after treatment, as the presence of antibodies is recorded.
- In about 90% of patients, antibiotic treatment is successful. However, if further treatment is needed, your doctor will likely prescribe other medications that have been shown to be effective for H. pylori infections.
- One of the best nutraceuticals in this case is a combination of broccoli sprouts and black currant oil.
- If you are taking other medications, or have any other health problems, tell your doctor. Some drug combinations are not recommended.
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