Do you need an H. pylori test? You might, because an h pylori test may help find the cause if you have ongoing stomach pain, indigestion, or a history of ulcers.
The H. pylori breath test is a noninvasive test that is used by many medical professionals to help detect a particular type of bacteria that causes stomach issues. Undergoing this test is not complicated or painful, but it is important to prepare properly before taking this test so your results will be accurate.
What is H. pylori?
- pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection in your stomach and irritate the lining. The Mayo Clinic reports that it can create inflammation, chronic indigestion, and ulcers.
Your doctor may order a test to identify this bacteria if you have certain symptoms, including:
- A dull or burning pain in the upper part of your stomach that is often worse when your stomach is empty or at night.
- You often feel bloated.
- Frequent indigestion that gets better if you eat something or take an antacid.
- You experience chronic nausea or vomiting.
- You have a history of stomach ulcers.
What Tests Are Used To Identify H. pylori Bacteria?
The Cleveland Clinic reports that there are four different tests that can be used to identify the presence of the helicobacter pylori bacteria, including a breath test, stool tests, blood tests, and an upper endoscopy test.
A positive test result means you will need antibiotic treatment to kill the bacteria and eliminate the infection. The chart below provides an overview of the available tests.
| Test Type | What It Looks For | Details | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urea breath test (UBT) | Detects carbon dioxide in your breath after a special urea drink or tablet has been consumed. | Noninvasive and is often used to help detect an active h pylori infection inside the stomach. | Very common and normally one of the first tests doctors use to diagnose and confirm treatment is working. |
| Stool antigen test | It looks for H. pylori proteins in your stool sample. | Noninvasive and can detect an active infection. | Often used as an alternative to the urea breath test. |
| Blood antibody test | Identifies antibodies to H. pylori in the blood. | Shows past exposure but does not detect an active infection. | Less commonly used and not for obtaining a current diagnosis. |
| Upper endoscopy with biopsy | Takes tissue samples from the stomach lining to test for more serious issues. | Involves using an endoscope with a tiny camera lowered down through your mouth to get a direct view of any damage and taking samples for testing. | Used if your symptoms are more serious or other testing methods have provided unclear results. |
How Does The H. Pylori Breath Test Work?
You will be given a special solution to drink or a tablet to take that contains urea, which will react to any H. pylori bacteria in your stomach and be detected in a breath test.
Urea is the main ingredient in the special solution you drink or in the tablet used to perform the Helicobacter pylori breath test. Urea is a natural compound made by your liver when it breaks down protein. When it comes in contact with the h pylori bacteria, it causes a chemical reaction that releases a type of carbon dioxide, which shows up in your breath.
The typical H. pylori breath test normally involves the following steps:
- You provide an initial breath sample as a baseline.
- You drink or swallow the test substance.
- After about 15 minutes, you provide another breath sample.
H. Pylori Breath Test After Treatment
Many times, your doctor will have you repeat the breath test after about 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment. This follow-up test can confirm that the infection is gone and hopefully make sure the symptoms will not return.
How To Prepare For An H. pylori Breath Test
You may need to make some changes to your normal routine to prepare for your H. Pylori breath test to ensure your results are accurate. Some medications can temporarily lower the amount of bacteria in your stomach and give false negative test readings.
You will follow the instructions provided to you by your doctor, but the common preparation steps to get ready for a h pylori breath test are as follows:
- Four weeks in advance, you will stop taking antibiotics and bismuth medications (Pepto-Bismol) according to your doctor’s instructions.
- 10 to 14 days before you should stop using PPI medications such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, Dexilant, etc.
- 2 days before, you should stop using H2 blockers, like Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet.
- The day of testing, you will fast, having nothing to eat or drink until your test or at least one hour before your test, depending on the instructions given by your doctor.
- 1 hour before the test, you should avoid smoking, chewing gum, or using any tobacco products.
You should speak with your doctor for alternative instructions if you are unable to discontinue use of some medications or follow your instructions completely.
What Do The Results Of Your H. Pylori Breath Test Mean?
If your results are positive, it normally means you have an active infection, and your doctor will most likely talk with you about your treatment options. Most treatments include a combination of medications.
If your results are negative, it most often means that you do not have an active infection. Sometimes tests give a false negative, but your issues may be due to some other reason.
The symptoms of H. pylori are often similar to those caused by other issues like acid reflux, gastritis, food sensitivities, or ulcers not linked to this bacterium. Your doctor may perform other types of testing, such as an endoscopy, to further investigate the cause of your symptoms.
When You Should See a Gastroenterologist?
You may wish to see a gastroenterologist if you have chronic stomach issues or a history of ulcers. A specialist like Dr. Okeefe Simmons can help figure out the cause and decide on the best H. pylori test for you. Some reasons you might want to consider seeing a gastroenterologist include:
- Persistent stomach pain or ongoing indigestion
- A past history of ulcers
- Repeated positive H. pylori tests
You should seek medical treatment right away if you notice symptoms such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood or having dark stools
- Having issues with swallowing
- Your stomach pain is severe or getting worse.
During your gastroenterologist appointment, your symptoms, medications, and previous test results will be reviewed, and recommendations for further testing and treatment will be provided to help manage your stomach issues.
Schedule a digestive care consultation with Dr. Simmons to get started.
Where Can I Get The H. Pylori Test In Miami?
Dr. Okeefe Simmons at Simmons MD Weight & Healthcare Solutions is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and obesity medicine.
Dr. Simmons offers digestive care and gastrointestinal treatments in Aventura, FL, to safely and effectively test and treat many issues, including stomach pain or bloating.
Set up your consultation today to learn more.
FAQs
What Is the Most Accurate H. Pylori Test?
Both the urea breath test and stool antigen test are effectively used to detect an active infection, but the accuracy can depend on proper preparation and timing.
How Long Does an H. Pylori Breath Test Take?
The breath test to check for H. pylori bacteria normally takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the clinic.
Can I Do an H. Pylori Test at Home?
Some stool tests may be done at home with a kit, but breath tests are normally done in a clinic or lab.
When Should I Retest After Treatment?
Retesting to ensure the infection has cleared up is often done at about 4 weeks after you have finished your antibiotics and have followed the preparation steps.
