43-Year-Old Man Successfully Treated for H. pylori Infection in Just 14 Days
Summary: This medical case involves a 43-year-old male patient who was admitted with symptoms of upper abdominal pain, dry mouth, and bitter taste lasting one week. After undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, he was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A comprehensive treatment plan involving mucosal protection, anti-inflammatory therapy, gastric regulation, and targeted H. pylori eradication was implemented over 14 days. Following treatment, his symptoms disappeared and follow-up tests confirmed the infection had turned negative. No recurrence was observed during a two-month follow-up period.
Patient Information:
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Condition: H. pylori Infection
Hospital: The First Hospital of China Medical University
Treatment Period: August 2021
Therapy: Oral medications (Aluminum Magnesium Suspension, Colloidal Pectin Bismuth Capsules, Ulcer Powder Capsules), intravenous injections (Ampicillin Sodium for Injection, Tinidazole Sodium Chloride Injection, Pantoprazole Sodium for Injection)
Treatment Duration: 14-day hospitalization with a follow-up visit after two months
Outcome: Complete resolution of abdominal pain, dry mouth, and bitter taste; H. pylori test turned negative
1. Initial Consultation
The patient, a 43-year-old male, had a history of chronic gastritis spanning over a decade. He denied any allergies, surgical history, exposure to epidemic areas, or infectious disease background such as hepatitis or tuberculosis. One week prior to admission, he experienced unexplained dry mouth, bitter taste, and upper abdominal discomfort. Notably, there were no signs of bloating, acid reflux, nausea, or vomiting. His appetite, sleep, and bowel movements remained normal, with no significant weight changes. Upon physical examination, all vital signs were stable, and while conscious and cooperative, he appeared fatigued. Gastroscopy revealed antral ulcer (Stage A1), chronic non-atrophic gastritis, duodenal bulb inflammation, and a positive H. pylori test. Based on these findings, he was hospitalized primarily for H. pylori infection with associated gastric ulcer.
2. Treatment Plan and Progress
After confirming the diagnosis, the patient was informed about the condition and the need for combined therapy targeting H. pylori, along with supportive treatments for gastritis and duodenitis. He was compliant with the prescribed regimen. The treatment included oral Aluminum Magnesium Suspension to neutralize stomach acid, Colloidal Pectin Bismuth Capsules for ulcer healing, and Ulcer Powder Capsules to regulate gastric function. Additionally, intravenous Ampicillin Sodium, Tinidazole Sodium Chloride, and Pantoprazole Sodium were administered to reduce inflammation and eradicate bacterial infection. Dietary recommendations emphasized bland, easily digestible meals throughout the treatment period.
3. Recovery and Outcome
Following 14 days of intensive medication, the patient reported significant improvement in upper abdominal pain. Symptoms of dry mouth and bitterness gradually subsided and eventually disappeared. There were no adverse effects reported, and his appetite, sleep, and digestion remained normal. Follow-up testing confirmed that H. pylori had turned negative, leading to discharge from the hospital. He was advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence and scheduled for a follow-up appointment in two months. During the subsequent visit, there were no signs of abdominal discomfort or re-infection, and H. pylori remained undetectable.
4. Key Recommendations Post-Treatment
To ensure long-term wellness and prevent relapse, the following guidelines were strongly recommended:
Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on mild, easily digestible foods while avoiding spicy, fatty, or raw meals. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be completely avoided.
Regular screening: Even after successful treatment, re-infection is possible. Therefore, both the patient and family members are encouraged to undergo annual gastrointestinal endoscopies and H. pylori testing.
Monitor symptoms: Be vigilant for signs such as abdominal pain, nausea, belching, black stools, or vomiting blood, which warrant immediate medical attention.
5. Clinical Insights
H. pylori infection often spreads through fecal-oral or oral-oral routes and may remain asymptomatic for years. However, persistent infection can lead to serious complications like peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and even gastric cancer. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent irreversible damage. This case illustrates how timely intervention with a well-structured treatment plan can effectively eliminate H. pylori and restore digestive health. Patients experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal discomfort should seek medical evaluation promptly to rule out H. pylori infection and related conditions.