stomach bacterial infection medicine - #12659
I am really worried about my health right now. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had this awful pain in my stomach, like it just won’t go away. I also started feeling super nauseous and had some unusual bloating after eating—like I can barely touch food without feeling yuck. I thought maybe it was just something I ate, but after trying to cut out certain foods, it just kept getting worse. Went to my doctor who did some blood tests and mentioned a possible stomach bacterial infection. He prescribed some stomach bacterial infection medicine but said it might take a bit to kick in. Honestly, I’m not sure it’s working because I still feel miserable most days. Has anyone else dealt with a stomach bacterial infection before? How long did it take for the medicine to start helping? Did you have to change your diet while on the stomach bacterial infection medicine? I’ve heard probiotics could help too—was that part of anyone’s experience? Just want to feel better and eat without fear!
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Doctors’ responses
It sounds like you’re dealing with a likely case of Helicobacter pylori infection, which is a common bacterial cause of stomach issues like you’re experiencing. The standard treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics, often alongside a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid, and sometimes bismuth subsalicylate. This regimen is known as triple or quadruple therapy and can indeed take some time to show improvement, usually about 7-14 days. It’s important to complete the full course of medication even if you’re not feeling immediate relief. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks after treatment, or worsen, follow up with your doctor. They might want to check if the bacteria are fully eradicated or if other issues are present.
Dietary changes can indeed complement the treatment. While official treatment guidelines don’t specify diet restrictions, many find it beneficial to limit irritating foods such as spicy, acidic, or fatty items. These can exacerbate discomfort due to increased stomach acid production. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might also help manage the symptoms.
Regarding probiotics, there’s some evidence suggesting they might help restore gut flora balance during and after treatment. They can reduce some antibiotic side effects like diarrhea, although they won’t directly cure the infection. Look for probiotics with strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but discuss this with your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your situation. Stay hydrated and rest; it supports recovery. If symptoms like severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, or persistent vomiting occur, seek medical attention, as these could indicate complications.
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