May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Digestive Disorders If half the world carries Helicobacter Pylori, what's the point of treating it?
If half the world carries Helicobacter Pylori, what's the point of treating it? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Male, 41, vague IBS type symptoms, just tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori, and my doctor wants to irradicate it with heavyduty cocktail of antibiotics for 10 days. My question is, should I do it? Part of me says yes, on the off chance doing so may be reducing my odds of getting stomach cancer one day. But the part of me who thinks irresponsible use of antibiotics has lead to worldwide antibiotic resistance, says "Hold on: If half the world are carriers of H. Pylori, what's the point of irradicating it in my body? Won't a ubiquitous bacteria like this simply find a way back into my body in half a year or so?" Is it wise to go along with this treatment, or is it just another useless fad in medical practice? Isn't it like treating for Candida? Will H. Pylori not simply populate my body again in a few months if it's so common? Why should I do it? Dear Payman: If your H. pylori are causing conditions such as Gastritis or peptic ulcer, you will definitely need to treat it to prevent complications that might need more intense treatment options. The antibiotics used for the treatment of H. Pylori are mild and would not create resistance in the bacteria if you use them appropriately and complete the ten days of treatment. I wish you the best. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 August 2010 ) |
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