Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori infection can be successfully treated, provided the strain is sensitive to the antibiotics being used. Worldwide, resistance to antibiotics is increasing. The prevalence of H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Canada is largely unknown. At a meeting in Ottawa in June 1999 of the Canadian Helicobacter pylori Study Group , it was decided that a Canada-wide susceptibility study should be undertaken.
Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a cause of gastritis and ulcer disease and is considered a risk factor for development of mucosal-associated lymphoma and gastric cancer. Eradication is indicated in all patients with H. pylori- associated ulcer disease and is recommended in most other infected patients. The success of therapy to eradicate H. pylori and thereby cure or prevent disease is affected by susceptibility to the antimicrobials being used. Metronidazole (MTZ) and Clarithromycin (CLA) are currently recommended as part of triple therapy regimens to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infections. A limitation of the treatment is the occurrence of primary and acquired resistance to these antibiotics. Reported worldwide resistance rates vary from 5% to 85% for MTZ and from 1% to 55% for CLA. The various conditions used for susceptibility testing are a major factor in achieving meaningful results. The clinical importance of resistant strains makes it necessary that therapy be based on valid and reproducible in vitro susceptibility results. A National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) method for in vitro testing of H. pylori is now available and methods for determining antimicrobial susceptibility and defining resistance breakpoints are being standardized.
Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Peptic Ulcer
The purpose of the treatment that your doctor recommends in case you have a peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter Pylori is to destroy the bacteria, to lower the quantity of acid from your stomach and duodenum and to preserve the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
Antibiotic treatment will kill the bacteria if taken for 2 weeks in combination of two drugs. Some of the most efficient antibiotic drugs are: Metronidazole, Tetracycline, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin. Also, one of the antibiotic drugs might be switched with bismuth salicylate which coats and soothes the stomach, protecting it from the damaging effects of acid.
In order to reduce the level of acid in your stomach, the doctor will prescribe you: H2-Receptor antagonists (Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, and Ranitidine) and inhibitors of the proton pump (Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole). By decreasing the quantity of acid, the stomach and duodenum will not be injured any more by it, and the pain will be reduced.
For protecting the line of your stomach and duodenum, you will receive antacids like TUMS and ROLAIDS that will preserve the lining from the acid's action.
Treatment must be followed exactly as the doctor has prescribed it. Also, smoking and drinking alcohol and coffee must be eliminated or at least reduced. Stress is also a factor that contributes to the extent of ulcer, so you should avoid getting stressed. Some herbs and even acupuncture can be helpful.
Also, a diet is recommended to be followed. Cranberries, apples, onions kill the Helicobacter Pylori; fruits and vegetable that are rich in fiber are also good for you. Try to see what kind of aliments are causing you discomfort after eating them and then reduce them from your diet. Another rule is not to eat within two hour of bedtime. Also, if you have a cold avoid using aspirin because it will only injure your stomach more.
There are some rare cases when treatment is not effective and other measures must be applied. Surgery is a solution for treating peptic ulcers but only the doctor will be able to pronounce whether you need a surgery or not.
Treating ulcer from its beginnings is essential for your life. Left untreated ulcer can give you anemia (the blood has a lack of blood cells and can not transport oxygen properly) and perforation, meaning that the ulcer injures your stomach until it goes through its wall. Also, hemorrhages can appear and even death.
