H. pylori: When Does It Die and What Is the Best Treatment for Quick Relief?

Helicobacter pylori may remain dormant in the stomach without causing any symptoms, as it is found in more than half of the world’s population. This bacterium, however, has an extraordinary ability to survive in the stomach’s acidic environment and even burrow into the stomach lining, which may cause stomach ulcers that lead to pain and sometimes bleeding. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, overcoming this bacterium can be difficult. So, what are its symptoms, how can it be treated, and when does H. pylori die?

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach and affects more than half of the world’s population, though it does not cause illness in most people.

It has a spiral shape and can survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach by producing enzymes that neutralize the acid, allowing it to burrow into the stomach lining. This can lead to chronic inflammation and irritation, which may result in:

• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis
• Stomach cancer (although most people with H. pylori will not develop stomach cancer, the bacterium is a factor that increases the risk).

What are the symptoms of H. pylori?

Usually, the presence of the bacteria does not cause symptoms. However, symptoms may appear with gastritis or peptic ulcers, which can cause a burning pain or a dull, persistent ache. This pain may worsen when the stomach is empty and may improve after eating or taking an antacid.

Other common germ stomach symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Belching
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount (early satiety)
• Unexplained weight loss

H. pylori has also been linked to certain psychological issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Is H. pylori contagious?

H. pylori is among the most transmissible types of bacteria. It is more common in developing countries where sanitation is poor, and most cases of infection occur during childhood.

The bacteria can spread through direct or indirect contact with saliva, stool, or dental plaque. Possible routes of transmission include:

• Kissing
• Sharing food
• Pre-chewed food given to children
• Sharing toothbrushes or toothpicks
• Shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces, then touching the mouth without washing hands
• Eating food prepared with unwashed hands
• Drinking contaminated public or natural water supplies

However, transmission does not always mean symptoms or ulcers will develop, as the bacterium is present in half the global population without causing illness.

Reasons why H. pylori symptoms may persist

Certain habits or factors can prolong H. pylori symptoms, such as:

1.Stress

Stress itself increases the risk of acute gastritis in people already infected with H. pylori and may also contribute to chronic gastritis or increase the risk of ulcers.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can independently increase the risk of stomach ulcers by fourfold. In H. pylori patients, this risk rises to more than sixfold.

3. Smoking

Smoking causes atrophy of the stomach lining, worsens gastritis, induces cellular changes that may lead to cancer, and reduces blood flow to the stomach, increasing the risk of antibiotic treatment failure.

4. Certain foods

Some foods may aggravate H. pylori symptoms in certain individuals, including:

• Fried foods
• Citrus fruits (e.g., pineapple)
• Soft drinks
• Coffee
• Garlic
• Processed meats
• Spicy foods

Complications of H. pylori

Neglecting treatment and ignoring bothersome symptoms may lead to serious complications, such as:

1. Stomach ulcers

Ulcers occur due to erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining, and H. pylori is the most common cause. It triggers inflammation and stimulates the stomach to produce more gastrin, which increases hydrochloric acid secretion. Excess acid can erode tissues, causing painful and sometimes bleeding ulcers.

Among those with chronic infection, 10–20% will develop ulcers, which may present with:

• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Pain radiating to the back
• Dark, tarry, or blood-streaked stools
• Symptoms of anemia due to blood loss (fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath with exertion, pale skin)

2. Stomach cancer

H. pylori contributes to about 89% of stomach cancers, including gastric adenocarcinoma (the main form of stomach cancer).

People with ulcers due to H. pylori are three times more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those without ulcers. While the exact mechanism is unclear, some studies have shown that eradicating H. pylori with antibiotics reduces the risk of stomach cancer by 50%.

Treatment of H. pylori

You may not need stomach germ treatment if you have no symptoms. When treatment is required, it usually involves a combination of antibiotics and other medications that reduce stomach acid and prevent the bacteria from attaching to the stomach lining. These include:

• Antibiotics: amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole
• Bismuth subsalicylate: may be added to protect the stomach lining

Germ stomach medicine

Pylera is a combination therapy used to eradicate H. pylori. It contains:

• Bismuth subcitrate potassium, which enhances the stomach’s protective mucus layer
• Metronidazole, an antibiotic
• Tetracycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic that stops bacterial growth

Treatment typically lasts about 10 days or as prescribed by a doctor. When combined with omeprazole, Pylera has an eradication rate of about 92.5%.

When does H. pylori die?

The time it takes to eradicate H. pylori depends on the prescribed medications. Typically, eradication requires about 14 days of treatment. Eradication can be confirmed using a urea breath test.

Tips for preventing H. pylori infection

Good personal hygiene is the key to reducing the risk of H. pylori infection. Here are some preventive measures:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds before eating and after using the toilet
• Avoid pre-chewing food for children
• Do not share toothbrushes with others
• Clean kitchen surfaces before preparing and eating food
• Keep bathrooms clean and wear gloves when cleaning toilets
• Teach children to avoid putting unwashed hands in their mouths
• Drink clean water and use safe water when preparing food, especially in areas with contaminated supplies
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods in restaurants
• Wash all raw fruits and vegetables with clean water before peeling and eating