H pylori tests

H pylori tests are routine procedures used to identify infection by Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can affect the stomach lining. These infections can cause complications in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as peptic ulcers. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics.

Causes of H pylori infection

It is not known exactly how an H pylori infection is spread from person to person. Typically, people with H pylori will catch it in their childhoods from other children. The bacteria will live in the stomach until it is treated.

There are some theories as to how the infection is spread:

Through the mouth – the bacteria may be passed through saliva through contact with somebody else’s mouth, such as kissing
Contact with vomit or stool (poo)
Contaminated water or food

Symptoms of H pylori infection

People go many years without any symptoms, so the condition can easily go undetected.

However, around 20 to 30% of people with a H pylori infection will develop other conditions, such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Some symptoms of these conditions include:

H pylori infections may also increase your risk of developing stomach cancer, but this is rare. This is due to chronic inflammation caused by the infection, which may cause a tumour to form.

How does it work?

Doctors can test for H pylori in different ways. They include a breath test,  stool test  and  blood test.

Breath test – during this test, you are given a special pill, drink or foodstuff that contains tagged carbon molecules. This chemical is broken down by H pylori, releasing detectable amounts of carbon in your breath.

Stool test – The stool antigen test involves sending a small sample of your faeces to a lab, where it’s tested for foreign proteins (antigens) associated with H pylori.

Blood test – This test involves a sample of your blood being tested for the presence of antibodies to H pylori bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced naturally by your immune system as it tries to combat an infection. In comparison, the breath and stool tests are more accurate in identifying ongoing H pylori infection.

Upper (gastrointestinal) endoscopy – a flexible tube with a small camera on the end is passed through the throat into the stomach. A small tissue sample is taken to test for the presence of the bacteria. We may recommend this test if other tests are inconclusive, as it will allow us to have a clearer look at your oesophagus, stomach lining, and a portion of your small intestine.

Test results

It may take up to 7-10 days for you to receive your results, which we can discuss in detail during your consultation. We will tell you of a positive result if we find any presence of the bacteria within your body. A negative result means there was nothing detected.

We will share our findings with you and make recommendations based on these results. You may need follow-up tests or to take medication to treat the cause of your symptoms.

Book an appointment

Our gastroenterology clinic offers face-to-face and virtual consultations to address your concerns and decide whether you need a H pylori test. We will perform a thorough assessment that includes discussing your symptoms and general health.

Let us know if you have already been diagnosed with any condition, as it could influence our recommendations. Our specialist may suggest additional or alternative tests depending on their findings in your consultation.

Providing top-notch personalized care is our goal at Digestive Health UK. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you with your concerns.

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