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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: Symptoms
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Re: Symptoms
by HFHSM.D.-ym, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on September 07, 1998 at 22:09:38:
In Reply to: Symptoms posted by dj on September 06, 1998 at 10:11:04:
I am on my 2nd treatment for H. Pylori. Initially, I was undergoing a regimen of tetracycline & flagyl for 2 weeks and cimetidine for 30 days. I started to feel better almost immedi ately, but towards the end of the 2 week period my symptoms returned. Now I am on another regimen of amoxicillin & biaxin for 2 weeks and prevacid for a month. My question is this can H. Pylori mask other illnesses. I am concerned that my treatment is to eradicate the symptoms and not necessarilly the cause. Are there classic symptoms for H. Pylori? (My blood test showed a large amount of H. Pylori bacteria). My symptomse are ocassional shortness of breath, intermitent stomach, kidney, chest pain and feeling flush (excessive sweating). Could this be H. Pylori + something else? Or will treating H. Pylori clear up all of these symptoms?
Dear dj,
Prior to starting another course of treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection I would want to know if the first regimen actually worked. If you took all of your medicines as prescribed for the two week period there is a good chance that you already got rid of the bacteria. There is a test called the carbon urea breath test that is now available at many institutions. This test is very accurate at detecting eradication failures. It is, however most accurate, if performed at least 6-8 weeks after treatment
is completed. You also need to be off antibiotics, bismuth and lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omeperazole (Prilosec) prior to the test. Another more invasive way to check for Helicobacter pylori eradication would be to have an endoscopy with biopsy 6-8 weeks after treatment. A blood test is not good enough to tell whether or not you have eradicated the infection. You must also keep in mind that your pain may not totally go away with Helicobacter pylori eradication. You may require chronic maintenance therapy for esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also important to adhere to anti-reflux measures.
On the other hand, your symptoms may not necessarily be related to the Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori is considered important in the development of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and peptic ulcer disease. These diseases often present with abdominal pain, nausea or with evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. It remains controversial whether the organism plays an important role in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (patients with midepigastric abdominal pain without evidence for an ulcer). Helicobacter pylori is not currently considered a causative factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Helicobacter pylori infection
In Reply to: Symptoms posted by dj on September 06, 1998 at 10:11:04:
I am on my 2nd treatment for H. Pylori. Initially, I was undergoing a regimen of tetracycline & flagyl for 2 weeks and cimetidine for 30 days. I started to feel better almost immedi ately, but towards the end of the 2 week period my symptoms returned. Now I am on another regimen of amoxicillin & biaxin for 2 weeks and prevacid for a month. My question is this can H. Pylori mask other illnesses. I am concerned that my treatment is to eradicate the symptoms and not necessarilly the cause. Are there classic symptoms for H. Pylori? (My blood test showed a large amount of H. Pylori bacteria). My symptomse are ocassional shortness of breath, intermitent stomach, kidney, chest pain and feeling flush (excessive sweating). Could this be H. Pylori + something else? Or will treating H. Pylori clear up all of these symptoms?
Dear dj,
Prior to starting another course of treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection I would want to know if the first regimen actually worked. If you took all of your medicines as prescribed for the two week period there is a good chance that you already got rid of the bacteria. There is a test called the carbon urea breath test that is now available at many institutions. This test is very accurate at detecting eradication failures. It is, however most accurate, if performed at least 6-8 weeks after treatment
is completed. You also need to be off antibiotics, bismuth and lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omeperazole (Prilosec) prior to the test. Another more invasive way to check for Helicobacter pylori eradication would be to have an endoscopy with biopsy 6-8 weeks after treatment. A blood test is not good enough to tell whether or not you have eradicated the infection. You must also keep in mind that your pain may not totally go away with Helicobacter pylori eradication. You may require chronic maintenance therapy for esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also important to adhere to anti-reflux measures.
On the other hand, your symptoms may not necessarily be related to the Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter pylori is considered important in the development of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and peptic ulcer disease. These diseases often present with abdominal pain, nausea or with evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. It remains controversial whether the organism plays an important role in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia (patients with midepigastric abdominal pain without evidence for an ulcer). Helicobacter pylori is not currently considered a causative factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Helicobacter pylori infection
