H pylori has the capacity to generate resistance towards antibiotics that are commonly used, hence it might pose a tough challenge to eradicate it from someone’s stomach. So, in order to eradicate the H pylori bacterium, a combination of two, three or more antibiotics are applied along with compounds that contain bismuth and/or PPI. Anti-H pylori effects are seen in PPIs and Bismuth. Some effective medicated combinations are shown below:
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin), amoxicillin (Amoxil) and a PPI
- Bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, metronidazole (Flagyl) and a PPI
Infections worth 70%-90% could possibly be cured through combinations of such medications. According to studies conducted by researchers, it is proved that clarithromycin is resisted by H pylori (antibiotics sometimes fail to get this bacteria eradicated). Such resistance is often identified with patients who had once been exposed to clarithromycin or erythromycin (macrolide antibiotics) that are similar in chemical composition. In the same way, the resistance of H pylori towards metronidazole is seen in patients who had once been exposed to metronidazole. In order to render H pylori treatment to these patients, doctors have come up with different antibiotic combinations. For some reasons, doctors would need to use antibiotics judiciously and carefully, and the antibiotic resistance is one of them. Doctors shouldn’t be encouraged with their improper and indiscriminate antibiotics usage.
Under circumstances that a patient suffers from infectious complications arising out of bleeding or perforation caused within the duodenum or stomach, then the doctors may wish to conduct a stool antigen test or a urea breath test in order to be sure that the H pylori bacterium got eradicated. The reduction of H pylori antibodies may take a few months, hence to determine its eradication it is not enough to conduct blood tests, nor is it necessary to conduct endoscope biopsies for ensuring eradication of such bacterium. As discussed before, the stool and breath tests are the most effective tests to determine eradication. Medications with various combinations are repeatedly applied on patients who don’t succeed in eradicating H pylori through initial treatment.
Who is supposed to receive H pylori treatment?
Once the patients get detected with ulcers and infections caused by H pylori they have to be treated. The main aim of H pylori treatment is to prevent all ulcers, cure such ulcers and rule out the bacterium. Treatment is also necessary for patients who are suffering from MALT lymphoma in their stomach. Once H pylori gets ruled out the tumor may get regressed quickly although MALT lymphoma is quite rare.
According to some physicians, intestinal metaplasia (cell changes) is caused by atrophic gastritis, which could be looked upon as stomach cancer precursors. Studies have established the fact that atrophic gastritis can be reversed through H pylori treatment and eventual eradication. For patients who are suffering with H pylori infections, doctors are now suggesting ulcer treatments. This might set them free of symptoms.
Different physicians are of the opinion that dyspepsia is somewhat linked with the H pylori infection. Although we’re not certain whether dyspepsia is actually caused by H pylori, it is natural for physicians to check if any infection is caused to patients suffering with dyspepsia. In case such infection is spotted, then the patient is treated accordingly.
Various types of the H pylori bacterium have been found by scientists who have studied its genetics. A few of the H pylori strains may seem to be more inclined towards causing stomach cancer and ulcers. Patients who’re in real need of H pylori treatment may be picked intelligently by doctors who have conducted researches in this field. H pylori vaccination may be difficult to obtain in the long run.
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