Could My H. pylori Infection Be Returning?
Greetings! I'm a 17-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 113 pounds. I come from a Mexican family that has an aversion to seeking medical help for reasons that escape me. Back in November 2024, after losing 10 pounds and experiencing daily vomiting and persistent nausea for five months, my parents reluctantly agreed to take me to the doctor for evaluation. I was diagnosed with H. pylori infection and gastritis. Following this, I underwent treatment with antibiotics and adhered to a specific diet, which effectively resolved the infection, as confirmed by a negative test in March. However, I continued to deal with gastritis symptoms. Fast forward to May 2025; after a trip to Mexico where the food hygiene was questionable, I returned home on May 20th only to find myself suffering from diarrhea that lasted for ten days. Now, a month later, I’m plagued by severe abdominal pain, bloating, intermittent vomiting, constant nausea, and a significant loss of appetite. Could it be that my H. pylori has returned?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 6:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some concerning symptoms that could suggest a recurrence of your H. pylori infection or another gastrointestinal issue. Let’s break this down:
Main Points:
- Symptoms of Recurrence: Your symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and nausea could indicate either a return of H. pylori or another issue like gastritis, food intolerance, or even another gastrointestinal infection.
- Impact of Recent Travel: Your recent trip to Mexico, where food hygiene might have been questionable, could have contributed to your current symptoms.
Explanation:
H. pylori is a bacteria that can infect the stomach and cause gastritis, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. It’s possible to become reinfected, especially if exposed to contaminated food or water. Symptoms like yours—abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite—are common with not just H. pylori but also with inflammatory conditions affecting the stomach lining or other intestinal infections.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms. Note when they occur, their severity, and any foods or activities that seem to trigger or worsen them. This information can be beneficial if you seek further medical advice later.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on maintaining hydration, especially since diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Consider eating bland foods that are easier on the stomach, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet).
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Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks that can worsen gastric irritation.
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Seek Medical Attention: While the emphasis here is on self-care, your ongoing symptoms and recent travel history suggest the need for professional evaluation. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve in the next few days, it’s essential to seek a healthcare provider who can assess your situation more thoroughly.
It’s understandable that seeking help can be challenging due to your family’s views, but your health is a priority. Please consider discussing your symptoms openly with a trusted adult or healthcare provider who can assist you in getting the necessary help.
If you need further guidance or have questions about specific symptoms, feel free to reach out. Stay strong!
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