Helicobacter Pylori
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria infect the lining of the stomach and upper intestine. It is important to treat the infection. H. pylori may lead to changes in the cells of your esophagus or stomach. The cells are changed into intestine cells. This is a condition called intestinal metaplasia that increases your risk for cancer of the esophagus or stomach.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have bloody bowel movements, bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- You have sudden, sharp stomach pain that does not go away or spreads to your back.
Call your doctor or gastroenterologist if:
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- You lose weight without trying.
- You feel full after eating only a small amount of food.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help kill the bacteria. You may need to take this medicine for 10 to 14 days. Your healthcare provider will prescribe 2 antibiotics at the same time.
- Antiulcer medicines help decrease the amount of acid that is normally made by the stomach. These help heal or prevent ulcers.
- Bismuth is a liquid or tablet that may be used to decrease heartburn, upset stomach, or diarrhea. It may also decrease swelling in your stomach and help kill the bacteria if other medicines do not work. It also protects ulcers from stomach acid so they can heal.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Prevent or manage an H. pylori infection:
- Wash your hands often. Infection can happen through contact with infected bowel movement, vomit, or saliva. Use soap and warm water. Use an alcohol-based gel if soap and water are not available. Clean your hands before you eat and after you use the bathroom. Clean your hands after you change a baby's diaper.
- Handle food properly. Infection can happen if you drink water that is not clean or eat food that is not washed or cooked properly. Rinse food well before you cook or eat it. Cook food all the way through. Proper handling will help kill any bacteria that may be on your food.
- Drink clean water from a safe source. Only drink water that has been filtered or purified.
- Ask about NSAIDs. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems if not taken correctly. Your healthcare provider may tell you to avoid these medicines because they can make your symptoms worse.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can worsen your symptoms. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may worsen your symptoms of heartburn. Alcohol also increases the risk for cancer of the esophagus or stomach. Ask your provider for information if you currently drink alcohol and need help to quit.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor or gastroenterologist as directed:
You may need more tests after treatment to see if your infection is gone. You may also need different antibiotics to kill the infection. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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