H. pylori is a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori that causes stomach infection. In most cases, H. pylori remains in the body without causing any illness with the carrier being unaware of its presence. Only in 20 per cent persons, it causes gastric issues and symptoms. Two gastric conditions that it can cause are gastritis (stomach inflammation) and peptic ulcers (open sores in the lining of the stomach or the initial part of the intestine called duodenum). Besides these, H. pylori infection is also a risk factor for stomach cancer. The infection is contracted through contaminated food and water. It is transmitted through direct contact with vomit, saliva and other body fluids of an infected person. H. pylori bacteria penetrates the lining of stomach and duodenum and starts multiplying. It secretes Urease enzyme which converts urea to ammonia. Ammonia helps this bacteria to survive in the stomach acid. With its multiplication, the lining of stomach and duodenum starts getting damaged resulting in gastritis or peptic ulcer.

Homeopathic Treatment 

Homeopathy is a wonderful science that treats H. pylori with natural and safe medicines. In H. pylori infection, homeopathy is the best alternative treatment. These medicines stimulate the disease fighting mechanism of the body to fight the H. pylori infection. As the healing system of the body is strengthened, the disease is completely eradicated. Homeopathy works especially well in the initial stages of H. pylori infection by providing symptomatic relief as well as preventing further progression of the infection. However, even in cases where pathological changes in the gastric tract such as gastric ulcers and gastritis appear, homeopathic medicines have a good scope of healing the H. pylori infection.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for H. Pylori Infection

The top recommended homeopathic medicines for H. pylori infection are Arsenic Album, Phosphorus and Nux Vomica.

1. Arsenic Album – For Managing Burning Sensation In Stomach

Arsenic Album is a highly recommended medicine to manage burning in stomach. The burning sensation is very severe which gets worse at night. Taking warm drinks offers relief. Nausea and vomiting may appear after eating or drinking something. The sight or smell of food may trigger nausea and vomiting in such cases. Weakness and weight loss may also attend. The use of this medicine is also indicated for stitching or stinging pain in abdomen. This medicine is best for treating gastritis as well as peptic ulcers.

2. Phosphorus – For Burning Sensation Relieved By Cold Drinks

Homeopathic medicine Phosphorus is helpful when there is marked burning pain in the stomach which gets relieved by cold drinks. Nausea and vomiting,bitter or sour burping may attend. Soreness is felt in the pit of the stomach. Like Arsenic Album, Phosphorus is also an important medicine to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers.

3. Nux Vomica – For Managing Stomach Burning And Vomiting

Nux Vomica is very helpful in managing burning sensation in stomach and vomiting. There is vomiting after consuming any solid or liquid food, even the smallest quantity of water is not tolerable and vomited soon. There is rumbling and gurgling in the abdomen and the abdomen feels distended with gas. Pain is felt in the abdomen  and passing stool brings momentary relief from pain.

4. Colocynth – For H.Pylori Infection With Marked Abdomen Pain

Colocynth is an effective medicine for H.pylori infection with abdomen pain. It is best indicated when the infection is characterized by agonizing, cutting pain in the abdomen. Pain of colicky, gripping nature is also treated well with Colocynth. Pressure and bending double ( bending forward and downward at the waist)relieves pain. It is well indicated to manage gastritis.

5. Carbo Veg – To Manage Bloated Abdomen And Burping

Carbo Veg is the most helpful where bloating of abdomen is a major concern. There is distension of abdomen with flatus. Sour burps are prominent in such cases. Burning sensation and soreness is felt in stomach.

6. Ipecac – For H. Pylori Infection With Intense Nausea And Vomiting

Ipecac is prescribed when nausea and vomiting are experienced. Nausea is present all the time. Vomiting of white glairy mucus or food appears, but the nausea is not relieved even after vomiting. Ipecac is one of the best homeopathic medicines for H. pylori infection with symptoms of this kind.

 7. Antimonium Crudum – Homeopathic Medicines For H. Pylori Infection With Belching

The most effective homeopathic medicines for H. pylori infection along with belching is Antimonium Crudum. It is recommended when belching is constant. Belching in such cases tastes mainly of eaten food. Dyspepsia and vomiting may also be present.

8. Natrum Phos – For Burps Having Sour Taste

Natrum Phos is one of the best homeopathic medicines for H. pylori with belching of sour, acrid nature. Water brash may appear along with belching. Intense acidity and flatulence is also marked.

 9. Lycopodium – For H. Pylori Infection With Bloated In Lower Abdomen

Homeopathic medicines Lycopodium is recommended for H. pylori infection with a bloated abdomen in the lower part. Lycopodium is helpful when abdomen gets bloated soon after eating. Little eating leads to a distended abdomen in such cases. This is often attended with dyspepsia, gas and burping.

10. Top Homeopathic Treatment For H. Pylori Infection With Peptic Ulcers

Natural medicines Argentum Nitricum, Kali Bichrome, Graphites and Uranium Nitricum offer the best homeopathic treatment for H. pylori infection that leads to peptic ulcers. Argentum Nitricum is most prominently suited for treating gastric ulcers in this condition. The main symptom is pain in the stomach radiating to other parts of abdomen. The pain is mainly of stitching, gnawing and burning in nature. Kali Bichrome and Graphites are two other wonderful homeopathic medicines for H. pylori with peptic ulcers. They are prescribed when gastric symptoms include burning pain in abdomen, belching and nausea. All these symptoms get better with eating. Uranium Nitricum is useful when burning pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating and burping are present.

What Are The Symptoms Of H. Pylori Infection?

Symptoms may not appear in most cases of this infection. When symptoms occur, these are related to gastritis or peptic ulcer occurring from damage of inner lining of stomach. The symptoms of H. pylori infection include:

1. Pain or burning in abdomen. The pain is worse when stomach is empty or in early morning. Eating something relieves the pain

2. Bloated abdomen

3. Nausea, vomiting, belching

4. Loss of appetite

5. Weight loss

6. Bloody/ black tarry stool or bloody or black vomit or vomit looking like coffee grounds. These are serious sign and if one has any of these signs, urgent medical help should be taken.

How does H. Pylori infection spread?

The mode of spread of H. pylori is still not fully clear. However, it is believed to spread by:

1. Direct contact with saliva, stool or vomit of infected person

2. Consuming contaminated food or water

Risk factors

This infection is usually contracted during childhood. Following factors increases the risk:

1. Unavailability of clean water

2. Living in crowded environment and living with someone having this infection

3. Living in a developing country as sanitary conditions are unhygienic

Complications

H. pylori infection may lead to gastritis and peptic ulcers.

A) The complications mainly related to peptic ulcers as follows:

1. Internal bleeding presenting as bloody/ black stool or bloody/ black vomit

2. Perforation (hole) in stomach wall. It increases chance of serious infection in abdominal cavity called peritonitis

3. Obstruction blocking food passage in digestive tract

B) Another complication is stomach cancer: H.pylori increases risk of stomach cancer (mainly adenocarcinoma)

Diagnosis

In cases suspected of H.pylori infection, following tests are suggested to confirm diagnosis

1. Breath test (Urea breath test): In this test, the sufferer exhales in a bag after drinking a liquid containing harmless carbon molecules. In case H. pylori bacteria is present, carbon is released when the swallowed liquid gets in contact with H.pylori in stomach. When sufferer exhales in the bag, a device is used to check for carbon molecules emitted via breath.

2. Stool test

3. a) Stool antigen test: It is a common test to check for presence of antigens linked with H. pylori in stool

b) Stool PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test: It can find H. pylori infection in stool and can also find strains that are resistant to antibiotics but it is an expensive test.

4. Upper endoscopy:  In this test, a tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach via mouth and a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken to detect H.pylori infection.

Prevention Of H. Pylori infection

The main tip to prevent this infection is following good hygienic habits. Following measures may reduce risk of this infection:

1. Wash hands properly with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet

2. Drink clean water

3. Avoid consumption of food not cleaned properly