Helicobacter Pylori Eradication

Introduction to the stomach
Bacteria in the stomach
Testing for H. pylori
Eradication of H. pylori
Treatment for H. pylori
Possible side effects

Introduction to the stomach

The stomach is the organ of the digestive system that most people are most familiar with. The stomach maintains an acidic environment for two reasons - to assist in breaking down food, and to suppress the growth of bacteria.

Bacteria in the stomach

It was thought previously that the acids in the stomach protected it from bacteria. However, a particular bacteria, called Helicobacter pylori, was discovered to be able to inhabit the stomach. Helicobacter pylori can irritate the stomach and the beginning of the small bowel. H. pylori has been shown to cause and maintain ulcers and other problems in the stomach and in the duodenum.

Testing for H. pylori

Your doctor may decide to begin treatment without any special tests, although it is not uncommon to require a blood test, a test done on the breath or a test on a sample of faeces. In some cases, an examination of the stomach by a camera called an endoscopy may be done. Whether or not you need any of these tests depends on your family history, any other medications you might be taking, and on the symptoms you have, or how long you've had them. If you are concerned though, you should ask your doctor why you're having a test, or not having one.

Eradication of H. pylori

A specific treatment has been developed for the eradication of this bacteria. It consists of two different antibiotic medicines - clarithromycin, and amoxicillin - and another medication that reduces the production of acid in the stomach - a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI. Examples of commonly used PPIs are pantoprazole (Somac) and rabeprazole (Pariet).

Treatment for H. pylori

Under the most common treatment, these three medications (two antibiotics, and one PPI) must be taken twice a day, every day, for seven days. The most common reason for this therapy not working is not following this schedule, or stopping the treatment too early.

Other regimes require the use of another medication called bismuth, which must be taken four times a day. In some other circumstances, the bacteria in your stomach might be resistant to the antibiotics given - in which case other medications can be tried.

Most importantly, once a working combination is found (and most often, the first one tried works), this treatment need only be completed once. It is very rare to require ongoing treatment for uncomplicated ulcers, however if complicated ulcers exist, PPIs are the first line treatment.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur with treatment for H. pylori are uncommon. However, some patients may experience them. Most often these concern the functioning of the digestive tract - there may be diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or a sense of abdominal cramping. There may also be a headache or rash. Symptoms usually only last for as long as the treatment goes on.

If you are allergic to penicillin, advise your doctor as it may mean you can't take amoxicillin, and hence will require a different antibiotic. Important: Every medication has the potential for side effects, and although it is uncommon, they may occur.

You are an individual and each case must be considered according to your condition, other health problems and any other medications you might be taking. Therefore, it is important that you speak with your doctor about undergoing treatment for H. pylori.

Reference

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Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd. Australian Medicines Handbook 2005. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2005
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