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H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a bacteria that lodges in the stomach or intestine, where it damages the protective barrier and stimulates inflammation, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and burning, in addition to increasing the risk for the development of ulcers and cancer.
This bacterium is usually identified during the endoscopy exam, through a biopsy or through the urease test, which are the most common methods for detecting the bacteria.
The treatment is done with the combination of medications such as Omeprazole, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin, prescribed by the general practitioner or gastroenterologist, and it is also very important to adopt a diet that helps to relieve the symptoms of gastritis, betting on vegetables, white meat, and avoid excessive sauces, condiments and processed foods.
How the treatment is done
It is very common to have the bacteria H. pylori without symptoms, often being found in a routine exam, however, treatment is only indicated in the presence of some situations, such as:
- Peptic ulcer;
- Gastritis;
- Intestinal tumor, such as carcinoma or gastric 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 resistance from bacteria and cause side effects. Know what to eat to avoid side effects and what foods help fight H. pylori.
Remedies to treat H. pylori
The most commonly used regimen of remedies to cure H. pylori are the association of a stomach protector, which can be Omeprazole 20mg, Ianzoprazole 30mg, Pantoprazole 40mg or Rabeprazol 20mg, with antibiotics, usually, Clarithromycin 500 mg, Amoxicillin 1000 mg or Metronidazole 500mg, which can be used separately or combined in one tablet , like Pyloripac.
This treatment must be done in a period of 7 to 14 days, 2 times a day, or according to medical advice, and must be strictly followed to avoid the development of bacteria resistant to drugs.
Other antibiotic options that can be used in cases of treatment-resistant infections are Bismuth Subsalicylate, Tetracycline, Tinidazole or Levofloxacin.
Home treatment
There are homemade alternatives that can complement the treatment with medicines, as they help to control stomach symptoms and to control the proliferation of bacteria, however they do not replace medical treatment.
The consumption of foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, meats, wheat germ and whole grains, for example, in addition to strengthening the immune system, facilitate the healing of ulcers and reduce inflammation in the stomach.
Foods that help eliminate stomach bacteria, such as natural yogurt, because they are rich in probiotics, or thyme and ginger, because they have antibacterial properties can also be a great way to help treatment.
In addition, there are foods that help control acidity and reduce discomfort caused by gastritis, such as bananas and potatoes. Check out some recipes for home treatments for gastritis and see what the diet should be like when treating gastritis and ulcers.
How it is transmitted
Bacterial infectionH. pylori it is very common, there are indications that it can be caught through saliva or through oral contact with water and food that had contact with contaminated feces, however, its transmission has not been fully clarified.
So, to prevent this infection, it is very important to take care with hygiene, such as washing your hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, in addition to avoid sharing cutlery and glasses with other people.
How to identify and diagnose
It is very common to be infected by this bacterium, without symptoms occurring. However, it can destroy the natural barrier that protects the internal walls of the stomach and intestine, which are affected by gastric acid, in addition to increasing the inflammation capacity of tissues in this region. This causes symptoms such as:
- Pain or burning sensation in the stomach;
- Lack of appetite;
- Motion sickness;
- Vomiting;
- Bloody stools and anemia as a result of erosion of the stomach walls.
The diagnosis of the presence of H. pylori it is usually done with a biopsy collection of tissue from the stomach or duodenum, which can be used to detect bacteria, such as the urease test, culture or tissue evaluation. See how the urease test is done to detect H. pylori.
Other possible tests are the urea respiratory detection test, serology done by blood test or the fecal detection test. See other details on how to identify the symptoms of H. pylori.