Digestive System After H.Pylori

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, I was diagnosed with h. pylori. Got rid of it with the antibiotics and nexium. I experienced pain so my GI doc did the endoscopy. He said that I had too much acid and it was burning my esophagus, stomach and small intestines. I am now on Prilosec and Nexium. Will I ever get better? What can I do to get better?

Dear DeDe: It is important after being diagnosed and treated with triple therapy, for Helicobacter Pylori infection, to have a follow-up check to ensure eradication, as some patients require a repeat course. This can be carried out with a simple urea breath test, usually 4 weeks after treatment. Some lifestyle measures may help including avoiding alcohol and smoking, because they impair the gastric mucosal protection. It is important to avoid causative drugs including: aspirin, NSAID’s, COX 2 inhibitors, bisphosphonates and steroids. In addition, weight reduction, avoiding; coffee, high-fat foods, carbonated drinks, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits and juices may help with reflux symptoms.