Anti-Helicobacter pylori Infection Treatment and Pulmonary Hypersensitivity: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is currently widespread throughout the world. Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is widely used, but it has rarely been associated with interstitial lung disease.

Case Presentation

We described six cases with similar clinical symptoms and typical pulmonary interstitial imaging changes during anti-H. pylori therapy, usually on Days 7–12 following treatment. Anti-H. pylori infection treatment was discontinued when it was suspected to be the cause of the clinical symptoms, and all of the patients accepted observation therapy. All of them had a favorable outcome, the clinical symptoms returned to normal almost 1 week later, and the chest computed tomography (CT) scan images showed remarkable absorption 4 weeks later.

Conclusions

Drug interactions could be the cause, and the most likely drug was furazolidone. All of the patients recovered quickly after drug discontinuation, and low-dose steroid may help shorten the recovery time.