Helicobacter Pylori, or what is otherwise also known as H. Pylori, is a bacterium which can cause immeasurable damage inside the human body. This bacterium is primarily responsible for the formation of peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastric ulcers in the body. People who have a history of such ulcers are usually screened for an H. Pylori infection and then given the required treatment.
Successful treatment of the infection can help heal the ulcers and prevent them from recurring. However, in some cases, it may take more than one round of treatment for the infection to be cured completely. There is no single drug for the treatment of the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may have to go in for a treatment which may last from one week to three weeks.
For the treatment of the infection, a medication which is known as protein pump inhibitor is prescribed. The medication causes the stomach to reduce its production of gastric juices and other acids which may further complicate the ulcers. This allows the already damaged ulcers to heal properly.
Along with the protein inhibitors, which inhibit the production of enzymes and other gastric juices, you will also be given two different antibiotics. Usually in case of a bacterial infection, only one antibiotic is prescribed. However, in case of H. Pylori, two antibiotics are specifically prescribed so that if there is a resistance to one antibiotic, the treatment does not fail completely.
The treatment regimen may not always give the best results. In such cases the entire regimen may have to be repeated too. The regimen itself is being tested extensively so that it can be improved upon. For the treatment to be really effective, it is important for you to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and take all your medications on time. If you miss a day's medicine, your treatment may not be as effective.
It has been seen that almost 20% of the patients who receive treatment for the H. Pylori infection, do not get cured, and may have to go in for a second round of treatment. In such a situation, you will again be given a round of proton pump inhibitors along with two antibiotics. This time, the antibiotics will be different to minimize the chances of treatment failure. In most of the cases, a third round of the treatment will not be required. However, after your treatment regimen is complete, you should get yourself checked again as a preventive measure
Submitted by M T on April 1, 2010 at 01:57