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Concerns About H. pylori Infection and Treatment Options
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Digestive Health
Question #25112
151 days ago
376

Concerns About H. pylori Infection and Treatment Options

Client_85694b

Dear Doctor, I am a 35-year-old male, 180 cm tall. My weight was 61 kg and I was living normally when I suddenly developed dizziness and an unusual sensation of hunger. A general practitioner prescribed medication for acidity, dizziness, and Neofertan, but my stomach did not tolerate them. He later added Gaviscon and an antiemetic, without improvement. The nausea worsened and I stopped eating for one week. I then consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed gastric neurosis and increased the proton pump inhibitor to 40 mg, adding another medication and Librax. I improved slightly. After consuming ground dried figs, I had a relapse. Nausea and pain improved afterward, but I developed indigestion, loose stools, and lost 7 kg. The doctor again attributed it to gastric nerves. One month later I felt somewhat better, but dizziness and unusual hunger returned one week after stopping the 40 mg PPI. I underwent liver tests, anemia tests, and H. pylori testing. Results were normal except for confirmed H. pylori infection. The doctor said I might not tolerate eradication therapy at that time, which increased my anxiety. Four months later I had a gastroscopy (fibroscopy), which showed moderate chronic gastritis with H. pylori infection, and Entamoeba cysts in stool analysis. I was prescribed quadruple therapy without bismuth but did not start it due to fear of side effects. Instead, I used propolis, mastic gum, Manuka honey, and some herbs. I regained 1 kg, but loose stools and intermittent dizziness persist. I traveled to visit my wife (she carries H. pylori without symptoms) for one week. After returning, I regularly consumed cinnamon and strong herbs (cinnamon, clove, moringa, licorice, anise, star anise, cumin, black seed, fenugreek) and acidic extra virgin olive oil. I then developed stomach pain, burning, and a relapse. I took Aulcer 20 mg, which caused severe pain, nausea, and a strong urge to vomit. My questions: • Is this a new infection from my wife, irritation from herbs and oil, or progression of H. pylori? • Given my sensitive stomach and chronic inflammation, how can I tolerate eradication therapy? • Can sequential therapy be considered instead of quadruple therapy, and what are its chances of success in my case?

How long have you been experiencing these gastrointestinal symptoms?:

- More than 3 months

Have you noticed any specific foods or activities that trigger your symptoms?:

- Yes, certain foods

What is your current diet like?:

- Mostly healthy but with some irritants
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Doctors' responses

Hello

Cause of relapse:

Most consistent with irritation of pre-existing H. pylori gastritis from strong herbs/spices and acidic oil.

Reinfection from your wife after a brief visit is unlikely.

Symptoms after stopping PPI also support ongoing untreated infection.

How to tolerate eradication therapy:

1–2 weeks of PPI first to reduce inflammation → start therapy with meals → add a probiotic (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii) → avoid gastric irritants during treatment → discuss a regimen adjustment if side effects occur. Many sensitive patients complete therapy successfully with this approach.

Sequential vs quadruple therapy:

Sequential therapy is an option, but quadruple therapy generally has higher eradication rates, especially with chronic infection.

Choice should be individualized based on tolerance and local resistance patterns.

Symptoms reflect persistent H. pylori gastritis with mucosal sensitivity; eradication therapy is the key step toward recovery.

I trust this helps Thank you Take care

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Hello dear See after clinical evaluation it seems incomplete eradication of infection It will require proper evaluation and accordingly treatment Please get below tests done for confirmation and share result with general physician medicine for better clarity CBC Esr Serum ferritin Blood antibody test Hb concentration Urea breath test Endoscopy. Please get comprehensive therapy on h.pylori and then proceed for further evaluation Regards

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Your symptoms are most consistent with ongoing H. pylori–related gastritis with strong stomach sensitivity, worsened by irritant foods and anxiety rather than a new infection.

• New infection vs herbs vs progression: Reinfection from your wife in one week is very unlikely; the relapse is more likely from untreated H. pylori plus irritation from strong herbs, spices, acidic oil, and supplements, which can inflame an already sensitive stomach lining.

• How to tolerate eradication therapy: H. pylori usually requires antibiotic treatment to cure gastritis and prevent weight loss or ulcers, and doctors can adjust therapy (start with stomach protection, probiotics, lower irritation diet, anti-nausea support, or different antibiotic combinations) to improve tolerance—discuss your fears openly with a gastroenterologist.

• Sequential vs quadruple therapy: Sequential therapy is sometimes used but success depends on local resistance patterns and your history, so your gastroenterologist should choose the most effective and tolerable regimen for you—consult them for personalized adjustment rather than delaying treatment.

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Hello It sounds like you’ve been through quite a challenging time with your gastric issues and the H. pylori infection. It’s understandable to feel anxious about starting treatment, especially with concerns about side effects.

Here are a few steps you might consider: 1. Consult Your Doctor Again:
Since you have a confirmed H. pylori infection and moderate chronic gastritis, it’s important to discuss your concerns about the quadruple therapy with your doctor. They can provide reassurance and possibly adjust the treatment plan to better suit your needs. 2. Addressing Anxiety:
If anxiety is affecting your decision to start treatment, consider discussing this with your doctor as well. They may suggest strategies or medications to help manage your anxiety during this time. 3. Dietary Adjustments:
While you’re managing your symptoms, focus on a bland diet that is easy on your stomach. Foods like khichdi, curd, and boiled vegetables can be gentle on your digestive system. 4. Follow-Up Testing:
After completing the treatment, follow up with your doctor for testing to confirm that the H. pylori infection has been eradicated. 5. Support from Your Wife:
Since your wife carries H. pylori without symptoms, it might be helpful to discuss with her the importance of both of you being treated to prevent reinfection.

Thank you

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Your relapse is not likely a new infection

It is mainly untreated H. pylori + stomach irritation from herbs/spices

Natural remedies alone are unlikely to cure it

Proper eradication therapy is recommended and usually safe

With careful diet and probiotics, most patients tolerate treatment well

Overall: treating the H. pylori is the key step to long-term recovery.

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The symptoms you’re experiencing, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss, are likely related to the progression of your chronic gastritis with H. pylori infection, rather than a new infection from your wife or the use of herbs and oils. H. pylori can contribute to ongoing gastric inflammation, and irregular use of potent natural remedies might exacerbate irritation, compounding the problem. When it comes to H. pylori eradication in a sensitive stomach, balancing successful treatment with tolerance to medication is key. Quadruple therapy, commonly includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and sometimes bismuth, which can occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset, but is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. However, given your history of sensitivity, it’s understandable why you’d be cautious. It’s worth discussing with your gastroenterologist about tailoring the eradication regimen, perhaps starting with smaller doses or substituting with less harsh antibiotics if adverse effects are a concern. Sequential therapy is an alternative where different sets of antibiotics are taken in sequence rather than together. Although it has shown reasonable success rates, results can vary based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and individual factors. Your doctor can provide guidance based on research and clinical experience, especially if some antibiotics are known to be more bearable. It’s critical to reconsider relying solely on natural remedies, as these can neither eradicate the infection nor address associated complications fully. Persistent symptoms like continued dizziness, significant weight loss, or ongoing abdominal pain warrant careful monitoring, and adjusting your therapy in response to these issues is quite important. Ultimately, comprehensive management might also involve diet adjustments to minimize irritants and help manage symptoms alongside any pharmacological regimen. If nausea and loose stools persist after attempting modified regimens, further evaluation may be needed to exclude other causes. Remember, successful H. pylori eradication can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve quality of life, so working closely with your healthcare provider is advisable to identify a strategy you can confidently tolerate.

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Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Most likely this is not a new infection from your wife. Reinfection in adults is uncommon, especially over just one week. H. pylori is usually acquired earlier in life. If you were already positive before travel, this is almost certainly the same ongoing infection, not a new one.

Your recent worsening is much more likely due to: Gastric irritation from strong herbs and spices / Acidic olive oil on an inflamed stomach / Underlying chronic gastritis with active H. pylori, etc.

Fluctuating symptoms because you have: Chronic H. pylori gastritis, Likely visceral hypersensitivity / functional dyspepsia, Weight loss from reduced intake. Stopping PPI may temporarily increase acid rebound, explaining symptom return after discontinuation.

The dizziness + “unusual hunger” feeling may be: Acid-related, Reactive hypoglycemia from irregular eating, Anxiety-driven autonomic symptoms.

Your H. Pylori should be treated. Eradication is medically recommended. Delaying treatment prolongs inflammation.

To tolerate eradication therapy with a sensitive stomach-

1. Stabilize stomach first (1–2 weeks): - Tab. Pantoprazole 40mg before breakfast daily. - Tab. Sporlac Plus twice a day. Bland diet. Stop all strong herbs/spices. Small frequent meals

2. Then start eradication therapy as per your doctor’s advice. Most side effects are manageable and temporary.

Sequential therapy vs quadruple therapy? This depends on: Local antibiotic resistance, Previous antibiotic exposure, Regional guidelines.

If you are anxious about tolerance, discuss these with your doctor: Non-bismuth concomitant therapy, Adjusted regimen based on local resistance, Testing for antibiotic sensitivity.

Your condition is treatable. This does NOT look like cancer. It does NOT look like dangerous progression.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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