Can h pylori come back?

Being diagnosed with H. pylori infection can be distressing, but treatment is available to eradicate the bacterium from your stomach and help heal any associated conditions such as gastric ulcers or gastritis. However, many people wonder — can H. pylori come back after being treated? In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of recurrent H. pylori infections and what you need to know.

What Is H. Pylori?

Before delving into whether H. pylori can return, let’s first take a quick look at what it is exactly.

H.pylori or Helicobacter Pylorus, is a type of bacteria known for living in our digestive tract – specifically in our stomachs – that causes gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and peptic ulcers if left untreated.

Risk factors for contracting an infection include sharing eating or drinking utensils, lack of proper hygiene, family history or travelling abroad to high-risk countries among others .

People who are infected may experience symptoms like bloating heartburn abdominal pain & sometimes vomiting which should prompt them to seek medical attention

The good news about having an h-plylori infection though is that it’s curable via antibiotics prescribed by your doctor alongside proton pump inhibitors

Treatment usually lasts within two weeks on average although may vary depending on individual cases

If you’ve been treated with antibiotics for an H.pylori infection before ,then its worth asking yourself if there’s a chance that ulcer-inducing culprit might make its way back down again.

Can You Get Infected Twice?

While relatively rare , It’s certainly possible however recall rates vary between different populations– peak recurission rates have only been reported once even though there are no accurate statistics globally due several factors

Recurrence would likely entail re-exposure(eg through contact with an infected person); failing to complete your previous treatment regimen as prescribed by a doctor, or having particularly resistant strains of the bacteria

What Are The Symptoms Of Recurrent H. Pylori Infection ?

If you’ve had H. pylori infection in the past then chances are you know now what symptoms to expect if it comes back: Some folks experience the same tell-tale signs which may include:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• abdominal pain including that manifests typically when stomach is empty

However , Approximately 20% -30% have no indications that they’re even re-infected with it

To confirm whether there’s been recurrence and rule out other potential causes;a medical professional will recommend conducting diagnostic tests via endoscopy such as urease test, culture & biopsy

The urease breath test (UBT) can also be conducted for non-invasive confirmation though not entirely conclusive.

How Can I Prevent Re-Infection With H.Pylori ?

While,it might seem daunting dealing with recurrent H.pylor, Fortunately there are strategies to help prevent getting once more,

Firstly always ensure routine vaccination against certain viral illnesses like HPV / Hepatitis b which promote riskier behavior thus increasing contact with potentially infected individuals

Taking steps maintenance from varied approaches like :Maintaining high hygiene standards especially food handling; following safe sex practices/don’t share needles during drug use ; staying hydrated and avoiding excess stress levels all contribute positively to reducing risk factors

Additionally Did you know? There are foods that could help keep your gut health in tip-top shape: probiotics for example yogurts/kombucha – this alongside other fermented foods e.g kimchi have active cultures known run benefits on gut flora/Dietary fibers enhance sateity(exacerbating hyeperphagia ) keeping seratonin/metabolism levels regular?

However,vigilance remains the key to keeping subsequent occurrence at levels as low as possible

Conclusion

While recurrence,of H. pylori infections may be a possibility, it is entirely preventable and treatable should you experience its comeback . By ensuring that you follow a physician-prescribed medication regimen alongside avoiding high risk activities/actions ,you can take proactive steps in minimizing the potential for reinfection once more.

Take control of your health today:stay vigilant and stay informed!