About this topic
This is an infection caused by the germ Helicobacter pylori. It affects your belly and bowel. This germ may lead to ulcers and swelling of the belly lining. Many people do not realize they have this germ because they have no signs. ‚
You can pass this germ from one person to some other person. This most often happens through touching saliva, vomit, or bowel movements from an infected person. You can also get this germ from eating or drinking dirty food or water. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Eat clean and well-prepared food.
- Follow good hygiene practices. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus. This is very important:
- After using the bathroom
- Before eating
- Take your drugs as told by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower acid levels in your belly
You may be given other drugs if you are still infected after treatment. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity because of belly pain. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Ulcers
- Swelling of the belly
- Stomach cancer
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid contact with an infected persons saliva, vomit, or bowel movements.
- Eat food and drink water from a safe source.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad pain in the belly
- Burning pain in the belly that goes away after eating or drinking
- Dark or bloody vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Dark or bloody bowel movements
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how and when to wash my hands to avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have dark or bloody vomit or stools.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/h_pylori.html ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚