Symptoms returned after 2 years of eradication

[Imrankhalid]

Hi Helico_Expert,

For the past few weeks I have been pretty unwell with similar symptoms to H Pylori I had back in 2020. Even though my Endoscopy and UBT tests came back negative in March last year, I think I may have got H Pylori again. It could just be the food that is giving me severe burning pain and a burning sensation from the upper to the lower stomach. I do feel a lot of gas at times in my stomach with burning pain and feels inflammation in my stomach.

I have gone back to a very bland diet with boiled vegetables and gluten-free bread, cut on carbs and increased the intake of fruits and yoghurt in the hope to reverse my symptoms.

My histology report in March 2022 noted that sections show duodenal mucosa with very focal surface gastric metaplasia and very mild active inflammation in the lamina propria, consistent with mild peptic duodenitis. Do you think this could be the culprit? Do you believe focal gastric metaplasia would increase with time even in the absence of H Pylori, unless otherwise?

Appreciate your insights and advice.

Many thanks,
Imran

[Imrankhalid]

Hi Helico_Expert,

I am hoping to check if you have received my earlier post and if you can respond with your insights, please.

Much appreciated
Thanks

[Helico_expert]

Hi,

sorry for the delay. I dont understand why I didnt see all these message until today.

anyway, it's very hard for adults living in modern society to catch H. pylori back. Nevertheless, you can always repeat the breath test to find out if you still have H. pylori.

Metaplasia is when your stomach changes and is behaving like an intestine. However, it depends on how severe is your metaplasia. If it's early stage, it can sometimes revert to normal.

If you are truly free of H. pylori and still symptomatic, maybe it's due to the damage left by H. pylori. at this stage you can only take medication to control your symptoms.