How do I manage H. Pylori and an ulcer?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Unintentional weight loss with an abnormal swallowing sensation (dysphagia) is a symptom combination that always needs careful attention, even when initial tests appear reassuring. In your case, a computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis being normal is encouraging, as it rules out large masses or advanced disease. An upper endoscopy showing an ulcer with helicobacter pylori infection explains pain, early satiety, poor appetite, and some weight loss.

Helicobacter pylori–associated ulcers can also cause inflammation and altered gastrointestinal motility, which may be perceived as abnormal swallowing. However, rapid or ongoing weight loss and persistent dysphagia are red-flag symptoms. Possible explanations include severe gastritis or inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) causing functional dysphagia, anxiety-related globus sensation, disorders of esophageal motility, or ulcer-related narrowing that may not yet be severe.

Rarely, early malignancy or disease beneath the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (submucosal disease) can be missed on initial imaging, especially if biopsies were limited. It is important to ensure that Helicobacter pylori is treated with a full eradication regimen and that eradication is confirmed after four to six weeks. High-dose acid suppression therapy with proton pump inhibitors should be continued to allow the ulcer to heal.

If swallowing difficulty or weight loss persists beyond two to three weeks, further evaluation is warranted, such as a barium swallow study, repeat upper endoscopy with adequate biopsies, or esophageal manometry, depending on the symptoms. Body weight should be monitored closely, and if dysphagia worsens, becomes progressive, or is associated with vomiting or anemia, urgent follow-up with a gastroenterologist is advised.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.