Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

There are no dietary measures or lifestyle habits that can eliminate the bacterium on their own. However, maintaining a balanced diet and healthy habits may contribute to overall digestive well-being. It is important to avoid self-medication and to follow medical advice correctly.

Treatment is usually prescribed for 10–14 days, combining several antibiotics with proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid.

These treatment regimens can be complex, but they are necessary because Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that has developed resistance to certain antibiotics over time and it can be difficult to eradicate.

Combining different medicines increases the chances of completely eliminating the infection. For this reason, it is very important to follow the treatment exactly as prescribed and not to stop it unless advised, even if symptoms improve.

The specific treatment chosen depends on factors such as previous antibiotic use, bacterial resistance, patient allergies and current clinical guidelines.

After treatment, it is necessary to confirm the eradication of the bacterium using a follow-up test, usually a breath test or a stool antigen test.

There is no surgical treatment to eliminate Helicobacter pylori. Surgery is only used in rare cases of complications, such as complex ulcers or gastric cancer.