H. pylorior Helicobacter pyloriis a bacteria that lodges in the stomach or intestine, harms the protective barrier and stimulates inflammation, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and burning, in addition to increasing the risk of developing ulcers and cancer.
The presence of this bacteria can be suspected through the appearance of some symptoms, but its diagnosis is only carried out through diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy with biopsy or respiratory detection of urea.
Treatment involves a combination of medications such as omeprazole, clarithromycin and/or amoxicillin, prescribed by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. It is also very important to adopt a diet that helps alleviate the symptoms of gastritis, including vegetables and white meat. , and avoid excess sauces, condiments and processed foods. See how to follow a diet for gastritis.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of H. pylori they are:
- Pain or burning sensation in the stomach;
- Lack of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Bloody stools and anemia.
It is very common for infection by Helicobacter pylori does not cause any type of symptoms, however, as the natural barrier of the internal walls of the stomach and intestine is destroyed by the bacteria, inflammation of the tissues in the region occurs, resulting in symptoms. See more about the symptoms of H. pylori.
Symptom Test
To know the risk of having H. pylorimark the symptoms presented in the following test:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of infection by H. pylori It is done by the gastroenterologist initially by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person.
To confirm the risk of infection by H. pylori, Make an appointment with the gastroenterologist closest to you:
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To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend an endoscopy to evaluate the gastrointestinal system, and a small sample of stomach tissue may also be collected for evaluation in the laboratory.
The sample collected during endoscopy is sent to the laboratory, where tests to detect the bacteria are carried out, such as the urease test, culture or tissue evaluation. In addition, a urea breath test, serology or fecal detection test may also be performed to complete the diagnosis.
How transmission happens
Bacterial infection H. pylori It is very common, there is evidence that it can be caught through saliva or oral contact with water and food that has come into contact with contaminated feces, however, its transmission has not yet been fully clarified.
Therefore, to prevent this infection, it is very important to take good hygiene care, such as washing your hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, as well as avoiding sharing cutlery and glasses with other people.
Treatment for H. pylori
It is very common to have the bacteria H. pylori without symptoms, often being found in a routine examination, however, treatment is only indicated in the presence of some situations, such as:
- Peptic ulcer;
- Gastritis;
- Intestinal tumor, such as gastric carcinoma or lymphoma;
- Symptoms such as discomfort, burning or stomach pain;
- Family history of gastric cancer.
This is because the unnecessary use of antibiotics increases the chances of bacterial resistance and causing side effects. Know what to eat to avoid side effects and what foods help fight the disease. H. pylori.
Medicines to treat H. pylori
The most commonly used medication regimen to cure H. pylori is the association of a stomach protector, which can be omeprazole 20mg, Ianzoprazole 30mg, pantoprazole 40mg or rabeprazole 20mg, with antibiotics, generally clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg or metronidazole 500mg, which can be used separately or combined in a tablet , such as Pyloripac.
This treatment must be carried out over a period of 7 to 14 days, twice a day, or as per medical advice, and must be followed strictly to avoid the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Other antibiotic options that can be used in cases of infections resistant to treatment are bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, tinidazole or levofloxacin, for example.
Home Treatment Options
There are homemade alternatives that can complement treatment with medicines, as they help control stomach symptoms and control the proliferation of bacteria, however they do not replace medical treatment.
Consuming foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, meat, wheat germ and whole grains, for example, in addition to strengthening the immune system, facilitates the healing of ulcers and reduces inflammation in the stomach.
Foods that help eliminate stomach bacteria, such as natural yogurt, as it is rich in probiotics, or thyme and ginger, as they have antibacterial properties, can also be a great way to aid treatment.
Furthermore, there are foods that help control acidity and reduce the discomfort caused by gastritis, such as bananas and potatoes. Check out some recipes for home treatments for gastritis and see what your diet should be like during H. pylori treatment.
