gastristis and h pylori

[phylica]

I have never had a stomach issue a day in my life prior to thid issue. I took 1500 mg of a anti inflammatories for hip bursitis and on day 4 my stomach starting burning like a blow torch. It stopped and day 5 I take another dose and the same thing happen and stopped the mediciation. However, within a couple of  days i got extreme nauesa and stomach burning went to a gi and she decided to take the camera and see a look at my stomac. No uclers or bledding just gastrisitis. The biospy came back which said moderate to severe gastristis and h pylori. Also, my doctor gave me a steriod shot in the hip because of the bursa. I am on nexium for eight weeks this is week 5 and i am better but still feel nauesa on and off. She wanted me to start the prev pak but I am afraid of the side effects and I hve read about hh pylori . Some think treating h pylori without uclers might not be warranted. I am scared of the prev pak my body has always reacted negative to antibioctics and I feel my stomach is inflammed why make it worse. Since, antibiotics can cause inflammation also. My question is how long is standard treatment time for the gastritis induce by 5 days of antiinflammatories, and is there any doctor out there who would not be worried as much about h pylorei, Yes, I read increase chance of cancer... I must have been living with my h pylori peacefully because i have had no stomach problems. How many weeks would be normal to treat gastritis..Thanks Phylica

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Treating H Pylori is generally relatively safe.  The antibiotics in the PrevPak, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, are generally well tolerated with a low risk of side effects.  That said, it does not have a 100 percent eradication rate, and like any drugs, no one can guarantee the absence of complications.

If the symptoms are continuing, however, then I would consider treatment, since H Pylori are indeed associated with inflammation and ulcer formation.  If another opinion is warranted, you can obtain a second opinion at a major academic medical center.

If the nausea continues, other tests can be considered, including, imaging of the abdomen as well as more specialized tests, like a gastric emptying scan or an esophageal motility study.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd