Helicobacter pylori also called H. pylori are little known bacteria live in the stomach and duodenum. It is responsible for stomach ulcers and inflammation. There is also strong evidence that it is a contributory factor to stomach cancer. It is believed that approximately 50 percent of the world’s population has the condition. Interestingly the bacteria rarely affect children and when it does it rarely causes them any problems.
How is it Spread
Water and food contaminated with feces or fecal matter is one route of infection. There is a belief that the condition is contagious. In fact, research has found that the bacteria exist in the saliva as well. This makes it possible for it to be transmitted through kissing.
Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori
There are quite a few symptoms and signs associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The most common include:
Pain in the stomach, especially the upper stomach
Vomiting
Nausea
Bloating feeling
Feeling full after eating very little
Extremely dark stool
How is Helicobacter Pylori Diagnosed?
The three most common means of diagnosing the condition are:
- Stool tests which look for protein in stool. This test is known as the Helicobacter pylori antigen test.
- Blood tests to identify antibodies that the body develops to fight against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
- Breath tests where the patient is given a special liquid called a urea solution to drink. The bacteria then breaks this down leading to a peculiar smell on the breath. Breath tests are also used to check if treatment was successful.
- Endoscopy where the lining of the stomach is examined using an endoscope. In most cases a sample of tissue is removed for testing to confirm the presence of the H. pylori bacteria. This procedure is done while the patient is sedated.
In many cases there are no signs that something is wrong.
Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori
Like most illnesses and diseases, Helicobacter Pylori can be treated by both alternative and western medicine. To date there is no one medication that has been found to be effective at treating the condition.
The main treatment is used to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces. To do this, a proton pump inhibitor is given. These inhibitors include medications such as:
- Lansoprazole known as Prevacid
- Rabeprazole known as AcipHEX
- Esomeprazole known as Nexium
In addition, the patient is also prescribed antibiotics to help ensure that the treatment works and kills the bacteria. Even with this however, at least 20 percent of all treatment fails. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline.
Bismuth subsalicylate is given to help protect the lining of the stomach. This is especially important for preventing peptic ulcers.
Alternative Remedies for Helicobacter pylori
Persons affected by H. pylori have used a number of natural remedies to find relief. These include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, garlic and ginger. Some other popularly used natural treatments for the condition include:
DLG: This derivative of the licorice root works to treat stomach ulcers in a similar fashion to drugs like Zantac and Prevacid.
Broccoli: This vegetable has many uses including helping to control the growth of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach.
Cinnamon: This herb has been shown to prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria from functioning in much the same way antibiotics do.
Alcohol: Reduction of alcohol consumption especially while treating the condition is also important.
Proper food handling, eating habits and diet can help in treating helicobacter pylori and the associated peptic ulcers which can result.
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I found a supplement by Sedona Labs called Pro HP that helps reduce the side effects of triple therapy treatment for Helicobacter Pylori and that helps balance microflora to prevent future overgrowth. This natural supplement contains probiotics plus lactoferrin, and is a natural alternative to a lot of harsh treatments out there. You can ask for it through your MD or naturopath.
- Anna M
hi,
I am just wondering if you ever got better i have been suffering for 10 years now with all the symptoms for H.pylori plus some with no relielf i am at ends wit my doctor believes it’s all in my head i have been going ot head shrinks for 5 years now on meds like crazy and still sick actually worse. I am lost as to where to turn and crying constantly i was dxed with h.pylori back in 2007 never retested but after 10 yrs of this i have been begging and no doctor will do it now that i am on medicare (yes this costed me my life i am on disability now from working 12 hour shift as a cna now i can’t evcen mop my floors all at once. I am so sorry but i need to find something to help. They say it’s anxiety/panic disorder which i believe is true after 10 yrs but now my house hubby 38 daughter 17 and daughter 8 are starting with stomach pain,headaches,muscleand joint pain , lightheaded,iratbility,and more i will kill myself if i passed this on please help me!!!!!!!!!!!! please!!!
thank you
Comment by tina — April 13, 2010
Hi,
I have been battling this as wel for a couple of years. My first test my doctor treated as if it was nothing.. Then about two years later here I am done lost well over 50 pounds, stomach pain, cycle worst, and etc..Starting seeing a different dr last year and still nothing..But now new approach have medical records everywhere I go and is going to demand that someone give me the necessary testing needed to treat and cure this problem.. Even if no one else cares about me I do..
Comment by Clarice — May 11, 2010
I was just diagnosed with H Pylori after a 1 1/2 with severe pain, nausea, bloating weight loss. You name it, I’ve been through it. I had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, MRI’s for gall bladder, spleen, appendix…everything. All came back negative. Been to several Dr.’s, specialists, NP and PA’s. Even landed in ER twice with severe stomach and back pain. I finally was aggressive in doing my own research and asked my Dr. to test for H Pylori. A week later, the tests came back positive. I WANT ALL MY FREAKIN’ MONEY BACK FROM EVERY DR. THAT COULDN’T diagnose me, I DIAGNOSED MYSELF!!! Anyway, I am now on Prevpac, which for those of you that do no have insurance…..it’s VERY EXPENSIVE!!! $475!!!! I am now taking it with a product called Mastic Gum (it’s actually a pill). I ordered it from Vitacost.com. So far, so good. I felt aweful the first 5 days of treatment, but being persistent. I just hope this helps to clear up this nasty bacteria, and I hope that all of you find what works for you. My advice is to continue to be your own advocate for your healthcare. Just becasue someone has an “MD” behind his or her name, doesn’t mean they are always right. No one knows your body better than you.
Comment by Rae — June 11, 2010
Hi all..I am 43, have been anorexic twice in my life (17 and 21) due to being 6.5 stone but having a 40 inch stomach. I have had trouble with stomach distension and severe sudden pain all my life, in and out of many hospitals , a partial hysterectomy, CT scans the works – all to no avail! today my Dr has recommended tht I have a breath test for H Pylori as well as a trip to a specialist to have a biopsy taken under top/tail surgery. I will keep you posted – this ‘disease’ if I indeed finally have an answer – can be very depressing and the emotional roller-coaster of not knowing what is wrong but knowing something is wrong is frustrating! To all of you out there that are having similar problems (bloating, unable to go to the toilet very often. sudden weight gain/loss, acidic taste in your mouth but also sometimes tasting like blood, never feeling hungry)…keep your faith and persevere with test…there has to be an answer cos many of us are suffering the same symptoms
Comment by Marie in Canberra Aust — August 25, 2010
I found a supplement by Sedona Labs called Pro HP that helps reduce the side effects of triple therapy treatment for Helicobacter Pylori and that helps balance microflora to prevent future overgrowth. This natural supplement contains probiotics plus lactoferrin, and is a natural alternative to a lot of harsh treatments out there. You can ask for it through your MD or naturopath.
- Anna M
hi,
I am just wondering if you ever got better i have been suffering for 10 years now with all the symptoms for H.pylori plus some with no relielf i am at ends wit my doctor believes it’s all in my head i have been going ot head shrinks for 5 years now on meds like crazy and still sick actually worse. I am lost as to where to turn and crying constantly i was dxed with h.pylori back in 2007 never retested but after 10 yrs of this i have been begging and no doctor will do it now that i am on medicare (yes this costed me my life i am on disability now from working 12 hour shift as a cna now i can’t evcen mop my floors all at once. I am so sorry but i need to find something to help. They say it’s anxiety/panic disorder which i believe is true after 10 yrs but now my house hubby 38 daughter 17 and daughter 8 are starting with stomach pain,headaches,muscleand joint pain , lightheaded,iratbility,and more i will kill myself if i passed this on please help me!!!!!!!!!!!! please!!!
thank you
Hi,
I have been battling this as wel for a couple of years. My first test my doctor treated as if it was nothing.. Then about two years later here I am done lost well over 50 pounds, stomach pain, cycle worst, and etc..Starting seeing a different dr last year and still nothing..But now new approach have medical records everywhere I go and is going to demand that someone give me the necessary testing needed to treat and cure this problem.. Even if no one else cares about me I do..
I was just diagnosed with H Pylori after a 1 1/2 with severe pain, nausea, bloating weight loss. You name it, I’ve been through it. I had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, MRI’s for gall bladder, spleen, appendix…everything. All came back negative. Been to several Dr.’s, specialists, NP and PA’s. Even landed in ER twice with severe stomach and back pain. I finally was aggressive in doing my own research and asked my Dr. to test for H Pylori. A week later, the tests came back positive. I WANT ALL MY FREAKIN’ MONEY BACK FROM EVERY DR. THAT COULDN’T diagnose me, I DIAGNOSED MYSELF!!! Anyway, I am now on Prevpac, which for those of you that do no have insurance…..it’s VERY EXPENSIVE!!! $475!!!! I am now taking it with a product called Mastic Gum (it’s actually a pill). I ordered it from Vitacost.com. So far, so good. I felt aweful the first 5 days of treatment, but being persistent. I just hope this helps to clear up this nasty bacteria, and I hope that all of you find what works for you. My advice is to continue to be your own advocate for your healthcare. Just becasue someone has an “MD” behind his or her name, doesn’t mean they are always right. No one knows your body better than you.
Hi all..I am 43, have been anorexic twice in my life (17 and 21) due to being 6.5 stone but having a 40 inch stomach. I have had trouble with stomach distension and severe sudden pain all my life, in and out of many hospitals , a partial hysterectomy, CT scans the works – all to no avail! today my Dr has recommended tht I have a breath test for H Pylori as well as a trip to a specialist to have a biopsy taken under top/tail surgery. I will keep you posted – this ‘disease’ if I indeed finally have an answer – can be very depressing and the emotional roller-coaster of not knowing what is wrong but knowing something is wrong is frustrating! To all of you out there that are having similar problems (bloating, unable to go to the toilet very often. sudden weight gain/loss, acidic taste in your mouth but also sometimes tasting like blood, never feeling hungry)…keep your faith and persevere with test…there has to be an answer cos many of us are suffering the same symptoms