Can Helicobacter pylori positivity lead to acid reflux?

helicobacter pylori positivity may lead to acid reflux. Helicobacter pylori infection is a common cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, which may trigger acid reflux symptoms by stimulating gastric acid secretion or damaging the gastric mucosal barrier. After Helicobacter pylori infection, the urease produced by the bacteria breaks down urea to produce ammonia, neutralizing gastric acid while stimulating gastric antral G cells to secrete gastrin, leading to an increase in gastric acid secretion. Gastric mucosal inflammation can disrupt the mucus bicarbonate barrier, allowing gastric acid to directly stimulate exposed nerve endings. Some patients may experience a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, postprandial fullness, or burning sensation behind the sternum, which often worsens at night or on an empty stomach.

A small number of infected individuals may not show obvious acid reflux, which is related to differences in bacterial virulence factors. CagA positive strains are more likely to induce strong inflammatory responses, while certain host genotypes may have natural resistance to Helicobacter pylori infection. Long term untreated infected individuals may experience gastric mucosal atrophy or intestinal metaplasia, during which gastric acid secretion may actually decrease.

It is recommended that patients with positive Helicobacter pylori and acid reflux symptoms undergo gastroscopy to evaluate the degree of mucosal damage. In addition to standardizing quadruple therapy to eradicate bacteria, proton pump inhibitors can be used for short-term relief of symptoms. Avoiding high-fat diet, caffeine, and bedtime meals in daily life, quitting smoking, and maintaining a regular schedule can help with mucosal repair.