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Suggest Treatment For H.pylori Infection
Question: Hi,
I'm 29 years old, male, athletic build and I have been suffering from gastritis for a little over 5 years. Symptoms include lack of appetite, bloating, low energy levels, dull pain in the stomach at mornings or sometimes after meals, loose stools and at times headaches after meals. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, etc seem to have no effect on the symptoms. About 2 years back, I was tested positive for H. Pylori(through endoscopy) which was treated by a 14 day AntiBiotic triple therapy. Seeing no improvement, the gastro had m on another triple therapy treatment with much stronger antibiotic, result was no improvment. Following that I was prescribed with more PPI and then I decided to stop taking them.
This condition has had a huge impact on my quality of life and about a few months back, my ears started ringing. Doctors diagnosed it with tinnitus which may not be related to my stomach problem, but it seems to get worse when my gastritis symptoms worsen up.
I have attached my most recent blood test, conducted 6 months back. Let me know if you need any other information, that might help.
XXXXXXX
I'm 29 years old, male, athletic build and I have been suffering from gastritis for a little over 5 years. Symptoms include lack of appetite, bloating, low energy levels, dull pain in the stomach at mornings or sometimes after meals, loose stools and at times headaches after meals. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, etc seem to have no effect on the symptoms. About 2 years back, I was tested positive for H. Pylori(through endoscopy) which was treated by a 14 day AntiBiotic triple therapy. Seeing no improvement, the gastro had m on another triple therapy treatment with much stronger antibiotic, result was no improvment. Following that I was prescribed with more PPI and then I decided to stop taking them.
This condition has had a huge impact on my quality of life and about a few months back, my ears started ringing. Doctors diagnosed it with tinnitus which may not be related to my stomach problem, but it seems to get worse when my gastritis symptoms worsen up.
I have attached my most recent blood test, conducted 6 months back. Let me know if you need any other information, that might help.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Gallbladder issue to rule out,,,
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
I am sorry for the situation you are in.
Fighting H.pylori infection is a very difficult battle. Sometimes, the triple therapy is not effective, and in these cases, 4 medications are advised.
In your case, although your liver function test is within normal range, however, if I was your caring doctor, would advise to run abdominal ultrasound to check for biliary tract. Sometimes, cholecyst problems (like sludge or inflammation) can give the symptoms as you are having now.
Your total cholesterol level was increased as per your tests reports. Diet and lifestyle changes are advised.
With regards to gastritis, quadruple therapy is advised to try next.
All the best!
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Klerida
Gallbladder issue to rule out,,,
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
I am sorry for the situation you are in.
Fighting H.pylori infection is a very difficult battle. Sometimes, the triple therapy is not effective, and in these cases, 4 medications are advised.
In your case, although your liver function test is within normal range, however, if I was your caring doctor, would advise to run abdominal ultrasound to check for biliary tract. Sometimes, cholecyst problems (like sludge or inflammation) can give the symptoms as you are having now.
Your total cholesterol level was increased as per your tests reports. Diet and lifestyle changes are advised.
With regards to gastritis, quadruple therapy is advised to try next.
All the best!
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hey Dr. Klerida,
Thanks for your kinds words.
I have uploaded my ultrasound scan, let me know your thoughts on it.
I find it strange that my cholesterol levels are high, cause I dont eat a high cholesterol diet. My TSH is on the higher side, is that something to worry about ?
And about H.Pylori, I was confirmed negative by blood test and breath test. Do I have to do a treatment anyway ?
xxxxxx
Thanks for your kinds words.
I have uploaded my ultrasound scan, let me know your thoughts on it.
I find it strange that my cholesterol levels are high, cause I dont eat a high cholesterol diet. My TSH is on the higher side, is that something to worry about ?
And about H.Pylori, I was confirmed negative by blood test and breath test. Do I have to do a treatment anyway ?
xxxxxx
Brief Answer:
Following answers to your queries....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX,
Thank you for providing the requested reports.
1. I have noted that there is a small polyp in your cholecyst. In such small size, it is advised to keep following up with abdominal ultrasound.
2. I have also noted that there is a slight increase in TSH level with no changes in other T3 and T4 levels. In such case, I advise to repeat the test after 3 months to observe if there is any change.
3. With regards to high cholesterol levels, it does not necessarily mean that you should be consuming a high cholesterol diet. Apart diet, your genes play a crucial role too. Furthermore, consuming high carb foods can also alter the cholesterol levels too.
4. If no H.pylori was found present, then, to reduce pH acidity, I advise to continue
- taking PPIs
- following the health diet and lifestyle regimen.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Following answers to your queries....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX,
Thank you for providing the requested reports.
1. I have noted that there is a small polyp in your cholecyst. In such small size, it is advised to keep following up with abdominal ultrasound.
2. I have also noted that there is a slight increase in TSH level with no changes in other T3 and T4 levels. In such case, I advise to repeat the test after 3 months to observe if there is any change.
3. With regards to high cholesterol levels, it does not necessarily mean that you should be consuming a high cholesterol diet. Apart diet, your genes play a crucial role too. Furthermore, consuming high carb foods can also alter the cholesterol levels too.
4. If no H.pylori was found present, then, to reduce pH acidity, I advise to continue
- taking PPIs
- following the health diet and lifestyle regimen.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Hello again Dr. Klerida,
Thanks for clarifying. I will monitor the TSH level and the polyp.
I've noticed that for quite sometime now, I don't really feel hungry as much as I used to be. Is this because my body is producing too much or too little acid ?
And since I haven't really had any positive effect with PPI's, should I consider going for a H2 blocker instead, please advice.
Whats your opinion on vitamin supplementation.
That just about sums up this case,
Thank you again for your time,
XXXXXX
Thanks for clarifying. I will monitor the TSH level and the polyp.
I've noticed that for quite sometime now, I don't really feel hungry as much as I used to be. Is this because my body is producing too much or too little acid ?
And since I haven't really had any positive effect with PPI's, should I consider going for a H2 blocker instead, please advice.
Whats your opinion on vitamin supplementation.
That just about sums up this case,
Thank you again for your time,
XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Various causes to feeling hungry...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,
1. There are various factors causing being hungry including the changes in the pH of the stomach fluid.
What you eat will also alter the pH of the stomach giving such feeling.
2. With regards to anti-H2 blockers, in my opinion, they will not be more effective than PPIs. However, they can be used at maintenance dose of 150 mg of Ranitidine for longer periods.
3. With regards to vitamins supplementation, it depends on the type of supplementation you are using. Sometimes, iron, folic acid and vit.C might reduce stomach pH and cause aggravation of the symptoms.
There are other supplements that will serve as ailment for stomach issues depending on your locality.
All the best!
Various causes to feeling hungry...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,
1. There are various factors causing being hungry including the changes in the pH of the stomach fluid.
What you eat will also alter the pH of the stomach giving such feeling.
2. With regards to anti-H2 blockers, in my opinion, they will not be more effective than PPIs. However, they can be used at maintenance dose of 150 mg of Ranitidine for longer periods.
3. With regards to vitamins supplementation, it depends on the type of supplementation you are using. Sometimes, iron, folic acid and vit.C might reduce stomach pH and cause aggravation of the symptoms.
There are other supplements that will serve as ailment for stomach issues depending on your locality.
All the best!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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