Helicobacter pylori infection is common in European countries. In Poland up to 1/3 of children become infected before the age of 18. The bacterium can be the cause of, among other things, gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric lymphoma. However, the majority of infected individuals do not develop the disease, so eradication (elimination) is not advisable in every case. It is often even discouraged due to the increasing drug resistance of the bacteria.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylorii - Symptoms and course
In people without symptoms of Helicobacter infection, its elimination is not recommended. The mere presence of the bacterium is not an indication for its elimination. Recurrences are often found. There are strict indications for eradication.
These include:
- duodenal/stomach ulcer,
- history of peptic ulcer disease,
- chronic atrophic gastritis,
- iron deficiency anaemia refractory to supplementation (if other causes are excluded),
- mALT gastric lymphoma ,
- status post gastrectomy due to cancer,
- having first-degree relatives with gastric cancer,
- planned prolonged treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
- spontaneous thrombocytopenic purpura, wishes expressed by the patient.
When to go to the doctor and cure
If there are any of the above indications for eradication, one should see a doctor. Treatment is with a 3- or 4-drug antibiotic therapy for about 10 days.
This is not recommended in every case due to the increasing drug resistance and numerous adverse effects of antibiotics. It should be noted that symptoms of dyspepsia are not an indication for eradication, as they often do not resolve despite the effectiveness of treatment.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylorii - Treatment
Treatment should involve all household members, as the bacterium is transmitted from person to person. Probiotics used do not eradicate the bacteria, but when added to antibiotics can increase the effectiveness of treatment.
