H. Pylori Duodenitis, and Acid Reflux

[CheerfulSatchel]

Good afternoon everybody, I hope all is well!

For some background, I had treatment in October and waited until December first week to verify eradication via breath test. Then, I had an endoscopy just to see damage done (and also biopsy to see if breath test gave incorrect result, but I am still awaiting histology result).

Just wondering if H. Pylori can cause inflammation in the duodenum? My endoscopy revealed moderate gastritis and moderate duodenitis

Additionally, does eradication of H. Pylori cause acid reflux? I am definitely feeling a dry throat and occasional heart burn that definitely wasn't here before treatment.

If eradication does cause acid reflux, does it usually go away after some time?

Thank you!!

[TinaSF]

I'm interested in the response to your post.

I did treatment back in August. I started experiencing tightness in my throat by day 9 and I was instructed to stop taking treatment by my doctor.

I was misdiagnosed with oral thrush and was given nystantin treatment for oral thrush which exacerbated the irritation in my throat. I became unable to swallow for awhile and I'm still on a liquid and soft puree diet almost 4 months later.

I have been diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by manometry. The main symptoms I feel include difficulty swallowing and tightness in my throat. My throat muscles have lost their strength to swallow. I'm 38 years old. The day before the tightness in my throat began, I was experiencing palpitations due to acid reflux. I guess my acid reflux got worse after taking antibiotics??

The ear, nose, and throat specialist told me that its likely the presence of h pylori bacteria is slowing down recovery for me. The main symptoms that h pylori has produced in me from the start is lots of trapped gas and constant belching. I also experience moments when its difficult to breathe from the bloating. Ive been taking prilosec which helps to heal my esophagitis by controlling acid production and simethicone/ gas x which stops the bloating and belching.

I'm wondering too how long after antibiotics does it take for stomach acid to normalize so my throat can heal?

I likely still have h pylori but i can't stop prilosec until my throat is healed and can't do another treatment until healing has happened for my throat. In the meanwhile, I haven't experienced any h pylori symptom relief. I still feel as sick as I did before treatment with the added complication of not being able to eat solid foods.

[Plotun]

Just wondering if H. Pylori can cause inflammation in the duodenum? My endoscopy revealed moderate gastritis and moderate duodenitis

Thank you!!

Yes, it can. That is the case with me as well - chronic gastritis and bulbitis.

[Helico_expert]

Just wondering if H. Pylori can cause inflammation in the duodenum? My endoscopy revealed moderate gastritis and moderate duodenitis

Additionally, does eradication of H. Pylori cause acid reflux? I am definitely feeling a dry throat and occasional heart burn that definitely wasn't here before treatment.

If eradication does cause acid reflux, does it usually go away after some time?

Yes. H. pylori can cause inflammation in the duodenum.

Some people can develop reflux symptoms after H. pylori eradication. It is not sure exactly why, but the theory is that the stomach is recovering and it's so healthy that it produces a lot of acid. In time, the stomach will gradually readjust and produce the right amount of acid.

I'm wondering too how long after antibiotics does it take for stomach acid to normalize so my throat can heal?

No. Antibiotics do not normalize your stomach acid.

Can your doctor check if you are eligible for blood test to diagnose H. pylori infection?
Can you switch to H2 blockers for 3 weeks, then do the breath/stool test to check for H. pylori infection?

[CheerfulSatchel]

Thank you all for the responses. I hope we can all get rid of this dumb bacteria for good and feel better ASAP.

[TinaSF]

Thank you Helico expert.

I will get retested and will switch over to Tagamet or Pepcid in January.

There's a covid infection surge where I live. We are under partial shutdown now and ICUs in most hospitals are at max capacity now. I decided to wait until things settle down with covid a little bit more and once my throat gets a little bit stronger before switching to an antacid that might not give me the same measure of acid control like a ppi.

There has been improvement in the last 4 months with my swallow strength. In the beginning my throat was so weak it was difficult to swallow saliva and now, I can drink a thick luke warm smoothie. Recovery has been slow but its happening.
Thank you for your help. I'm so grateful that this forum exists. I have learned a lot from reading other people's experiences and have learned from your advice and guidance.