What should I do if Helicobacter pylori is found during a physical examination?

What should I do if Helicobacter pylori is found during a physical examination?

Many friends are tested positive for Helicobacter pylori during their annual physical examinations. So what is Helicobacter pylori? What are its hazards? I believe many people will have such questions. Next, we will unveil its mysterious veil.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium with a spiral or arc shape and flagella that can survive on the human gastric mucosa. Helicobacter pylori infection mainly causes diseases such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer, and is closely related to diseases such as gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. It is listed as a Class I biological carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the dangers of Helicobacter pylori?

01Chronic gastritis

Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of chronic gastritis. It can destroy the barrier function of the gastric mucosa and cause inflammation.

02Gastric ulcer

Studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori infection is an important cause of gastric ulcers. Eliminating Helicobacter pylori can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of gastric ulcers.

03 Gastric Cancer

Helicobacter pylori is considered a type 1 carcinogen for gastric cancer. Long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori may increase the risk of gastric cancer.

How is Helicobacter pylori detected?

1. 13C or 14C urea breath test: non-invasive detection method, simple, fast and accurate.

※How to do the 13C breath test: The breath test should be performed on an empty stomach or 2 hours after a meal to prevent food intake from affecting the test results, and the mouth needs to be cleaned before the test.

①: Maintain normal breathing, fill the air bag (do not take deep breaths or exhale intermittently), and tighten the bottle cap.

②: Take the reagent with drinking water at room temperature and wait for 30 minutes. Do not eat or drink during this period.

③: Maintain normal breathing and fill the air bag.

The two gas collection bags before and after taking the medicine are sent for inspection together, and the results are usually available in about 10 minutes.

2. Gastroscopy and biopsy: Gastroscopy is used to directly observe the condition of the stomach and obtain tissue for pathological examination. It can simultaneously detect lesions such as inflammation, ulcers and tumors.

3. Serological test: Detection of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood, suitable for epidemiological surveys and preliminary screening.

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

1. Bad breath: Hp parasitizes on teeth and gums, directly producing bad breath in the mouth.

2 Acid reflux: Hp damages the gastric mucosa, stimulates gastric acid secretion, and causes acid reflux.

3. Hiccups and belching

4. Nausea and vomiting

5. Loss of appetite: Digestive function deteriorates, and there may be abdominal distension, diarrhea, etc.

6 Pain: When the gastric mucosa loses its protective barrier, peptic ulcer and gastritis may occur, usually causing pain in the upper abdomen.

How can Helicobacter pylori be transmitted?

Helicobacter pylori is mainly transmitted through oral-oral, fecal-oral and other means.

How to treat Helicobacter pylori infection?

Currently, the treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection mainly adopts triple therapy or quadruple therapy, which is the combined use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and (or) bismuth. The treatment cycle is generally 7-14 days, and the specific plan needs to be formulated according to the patient's condition and the doctor's advice. Reexamination is required after treatment to ensure that Helicobacter pylori has been completely eliminated.

How to prevent Helicobacter pylori infection?

1. Develop good personal hygiene habits, wash your hands frequently, and avoid using other people’s tableware and drinking glasses.

2. Keep the home environment clean, clean the kitchen and bathroom regularly, and avoid water pollution.

3. Pay attention to food hygiene, try not to eat raw, cold, or unclean food, and avoid drinking raw water.

4. Promote the practice of separate meals to reduce the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection when eating together.

5. Have regular physical examinations to promptly detect and treat Helicobacter pylori infection and related gastric diseases.