Are there any over the counter herbal medicines that can cure an infection?

A number of herbs have been claimed to cure infections but there is very little scientific evidence to back up these claims. Some of the common herbs reputed to cure infections are turmeric, myrrh, goldenseal, garlic and colloidal silver. However, whether these herbs work for serious body infections is unknown. My best advice is if you think you have an infection, go and see a doctor first. Mucking around with herbs and infections at home can cause many problems including death. No emergency room will deny you care if you really have an infection. If they do, get yourself a lawyer.

My doctor says I have acquired bacterial vaginosis. My friends tell me to take probiotics instead of antibiotics. Is this a good treatment?

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common infection in sexually active females. The infection presents with extreme discomfort in the genitals. The disorder is not sexually acquired but felt be due to an imbalance of normal bacteria with depletion of lactobacilli. The treatment of bacterial vaginosis is not satisfactory and recurrences are very common. Thus, some doctors recommend taking probiotics to replace the lost normal bacteria. So does this work?

Well studies have shown that just taking probiotics alone does not hep prevent or treat bacterial vaginosis; however, when probiotics are combined with metronidazole the regimen seems to help. 

I develop a severe sore throat every time I get a cold. Will any antibiotic help?

Sore throats are common during winter. The sore throats are often caused by viruses and bacteria. The majority of people recover in a few days but some people may develop a persistent sore throat. If the sore throat is from bacteria, you may benefit from antibiotics. If you have a sore throat from a virus, you will get zero benefit from antibiotics.

Sore throat in general is not treated with antibiotics but with rest, lozenges, salt water gargles and good oral hygiene. Antibiotics only shorten the duration of symptoms by about 12-16 hours. In most cases, common sense remedies at home like drinking ample fluids, rest and acetaminophen will do the trick. 

How does one treat H pylori infection?

The treatment of h. pylori involves a combination of two antibiotics and an acid inhibitor like Prilosec or Zantac. The treatment lasts for 14 days. However, in many cases the acidity may require long term treatment. Experts recommend that the best treatment for h pylori is prevention. Washing hands and maintaining good hygiene are essential in preventing not only h. pylori but a vast number of other infections. One should also not share personal products with other individuals and avoid consumption of contaminated food or water.

How do I know if I have H pylori?

Today h. pylori is screened for when an individual develops a problem pain in the abdomen. While there are many invasive tests to make a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease, h. pylori is determined with a non invasive test. The two common tests to detect h. pylori include the breath and antigen test. There are also some blood tests which can detect antibodies that have formed against h.pylori.

The breath test takes advantage of the bacteria’s ability to breakdown urea. One drinks a solution of urea which has been labeled with minute amounts of radioactive carbon. Individuals who have h pylori will break down the urea and the carbon will be released. The carbon is exhaled and captured in a special bag.

The stool antigen test can detect the presence of foreign bacteria in the stools. In some individuals the above tests may suffice but if the symptoms are worse and persistent, endoscopy or some type of radiological study may be warranted. 

I have been told I have H pylori. How did I get this bug?

Why some individuals develop an infection with h. pylori is not known but may be related to different strains of the bacteria and genetic factors. H. pylori is a hardy bacteria and is quite adapted to surviving in the stomach.  It protects itself from the high acidity of the stomach by creating a low acid buffer zone. It is believed that the h. pylori is acquired during childhood but some individuals do contract the infection during adulthood. The bacteria can be acquired by contact with other individuals through saliva or sharing utensils with an infected person.

I have been told I have H pylori. Can you please tell me what this bacteria does?

H. pylori is a bacteria which thrives in the stomach. It is found in about 50-70 percent of individuals in North America. However, many people who have the bacteria in the stomach have no signs or symptoms of infection. H. pylori is now known to be the cause of peptic ulcer disease. This bacteria has the capacity to cause inflammation of the stomach wall lining and cause ulcers, and even stomach cancers.

How H. pylori actually causes ulcers of the stomach is not known but researchers believe that the bacteria releases toxic products which can damage the wall lining. When an ulcer has been established by h. pylori the signs and symptoms may include:

-         burning pain in the abdomen

-         weight loss

-         nausea, vomiting, burping

-         bloated feeling

-         blood in the stools or black stools