What should I do if I am infected with Helicobacter pylori?
Aug 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Helicobacter pylori infection may be caused by poor dietary hygiene, transmission through shared meals, chronic non-atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general lifestyle adjustments and medication. In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息schedule), avoiding late nights, reducing mental stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are advised.
Generally, Helicobacter pylori infection may be caused by poor dietary hygiene, transmission during shared meals, chronic non-atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the specific cause, and then improve the condition through general lifestyle adjustments and medication under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Poor dietary hygiene: Consuming raw or cold food that hasn't been thoroughly washed or drinking untreated water can allow Helicobacter pylori to enter and colonize the stomach through food, causing symptoms such as abdominal distension and acid reflux. In daily life, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed, untreated water should not be consumed, and undercooked meat or seafood should be avoided. Utensils should be disinfected promptly after use to reduce bacterial transmission pathways.
2. Transmission during shared meals: Sharing utensils or cups with an infected person or not using serving chopsticks and spoons during meals can lead to cross-transmission of Helicobacter pylori via saliva. It is recommended for families to adopt individual serving meals and actively use serving chopsticks and spoons during gatherings. The infected person's utensils should be cleaned and disinfected separately to prevent cross-infection.
3. Chronic non-atrophic gastritis: Long-term irritation of the gastric mucosa by Helicobacter pylori can lead to chronic non-atrophic gastritis, accompanied by stomach pain and belching. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, amoxicillin capsules, and clarithromycin tablets to eradicate the bacteria and alleviate inflammation.
4. Gastric ulcer: Helicobacter pylori damages the gastric mucosal barrier, leading to mucosal defects and ulcer formation, presenting as periodic upper abdominal pain and black stools. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, metronidazole tablets, and bismuth potassium citrate capsules to suppress gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and eliminate the bacteria.
5. Duodenal ulcer: Helicobacter pylori infection can cause inflammation and ulcers in the duodenal mucosa, accompanied by upper abdominal pain and acid reflux when fasting. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, levofloxacin tablets, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining a regular routine, avoiding staying up late, reducing mental stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are recommended. Eating easily digestible foods such as porridge, soft noodles, and steamed eggs is advised, while avoiding stimulants like coffee and strong tea. Comprehensive care can promote gastric health and recovery.
