Helicobacter Pylori
Question: What is the best treatment for this?

Answer: This topic is currently under debate. However, it appears that a combination of either Prilosec or Prevacid with 2 antibiotics (usually Erythromycin plus Flagyl-or equivalent) plus Pepto Bismol for ten days or so.

Helicobacter Pylori
Question: I would like to know how H. Pylori is transmitted. Is it the cause of some ulcers or does it thrive on ulcerated G.I. tissue.

Answer: Helicobacter Pylori is a spiral shaped organism found exclusively in gastric lining tissue. If there has been a change in the normal lining of the small intestine that is immediately after the stomach (the "duodenum"), to that seen in the stomach, the H. Pylori can also reside there. It is found in 10% of all healthy people under the age of 30, and 60% of healthy people over the age of 60. Although the specifics and exact route is still unconfirmed, it is likely that H. Pylori is spread by direct person to person contact. Although H. Pylori is the cause of at least one form of erosive gastritis (stomach lining inflammation), and it seen in 90% of patients with ulcer disease (stomach/duodenum), most people infected with H. Pylori do not develop any of these problems. The organism survives in the normal mucous covering of our stomach lining, and does not need disease tissue to live. Eradication of newly discovered H. Pylori in a patient, with a combination of antibiotics, and special antacids reduces the risk of recurrent ulcers, and helps to heal ones that are being treated at the time. If you are concerned about ulcer disease, or H. Pylori, speak to your physician. They can provide you with up to date information about the disorder, its symptoms, and treatment.
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